Build UK, the representative body for the UK construction industry, has confirmed the appointment of John Sisk & Son chief executive Paul Brown as its new chair.
Previously the organisation’s vice chair, having joined the board in 2022, civil engineer Brown brings more than 25 years of leadership experience to the role. He succeeds Julie White, MD of D-Drill & Sawing, which is a member of the Drilling and Sawing Association (DSA), who has led Build UK for the past two years.
The appointment was confirmed alongside the rest of the board at its recent AGM, where members heard directly from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Right Honourable James Murray MP, who outlined the government’s ambition and commitment to deliver and maintain £725bn of economic and social infrastructure over the next decade as set out in its 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy.
In his first speech to Build UK members at the AGM, Brown said: “Taking on the role of Build UK chair at such a pivotal time for our industry is a huge privilege. Construction is taking an increasingly integrated approach to infrastructure planning, improving the way we deliver projects, and driving forward the highest standards of building safety.
“Build UK has a vital role to play in supporting these priorities, and I look forward to working with members across the supply chain to deliver change and demonstrate the positive impact of construction on the economy and local communities across the UK.”
Build UK chief executive Suzannah Nichol OBE welcomed the appointment, saying: “We are delighted to have Paul as our new chair. By bringing the whole industry together around the same table, Build UK has demonstrated that it can successfully respond to the issues we face, such as the new building safety regime, and Paul’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.
“I would also like to thank Julie for her outstanding contribution over the past two years and for all her support in representing the industry since she was first elected to the board 10 years ago.”
Build UK has also appointed two new board members: Skanska’s president and CEO Katy Dowding; and Lee Rowswell from GKR Scaffolding, which is a member of the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).
