ACE appoints interim CEO and makes changes to board

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has appointed Laurence Brett as an interim CEO. 

Brett, who formally joins ACE on 12 July, will work two to three days a week to support ACE, its staff and its members, through the transition period between outgoinig CEO Hannah Vickers and her soon-to be appointed successor. Brett arrives at ACE from AECOM where he is vice-president for global capability.

The ACE board has also seen some changes with Paul Reilly recently resigning as chair. At a special board meeting, vice chair Dave Beddell was elected to the position of chair until the end of the calendar year. 

Commenting on the move and Brett’s arrival as interim CEO in a message to ACE members, Beddell said: “For the second half of the year, the focus is on maintaining our strong voice with policymakers, supporting members through to recovery, and seeing through ACE’s corporate plan. Added to that is ensuring a smooth leadership transition and I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Laurence – however briefly – to ACE to help us achieve that.

“Having held a number of executive posts during his career Laurence brings extensive experience of organisational leadership and senior stakeholder management and is ideally suited to lead ACE during this transitional period.”

Hannah Vickers announced her departure in April to take up a new role at Mace and ACE has been searching for a permanent replacement since then. Beddell added: “The permanent recruitment process is progressing well and I hope to share more news soon.”