CIOB Elects First President for the Middle East

Tuesday, 30 August 2011 4:31 PM

After just 4 years in the Middle East the Chartered Institute of Building has experienced sustained growth in membership across the region, despite the effect of recent troubles and a global recession. 

A new office, branch officer and Regional Centre have followed to support a growing body of members on the ground and those new to the area. As part of its commitment and strategy for the region Institute members have elected Stephen Lines FCIOB, who works for Turner & Townsend, as the first CIOB President for the Middle East.

Speaking from Abu Dhabi Stephen said, “This is a tremendous honour and I would like to thank all of those who voted for me in the recent election. There is a clear need in the Middle East to improve the professionalism in the construction industry that can add value to a range of developments and the wider economy. We see CIOB members leading that work, from the fundamental projects to the sparkling icons that are being created.

“It’s fair to say the CIOB has not been shy in promoting the expertise of its members over here, but much work still remains to be done. Being the first President gives me a pretty clear agenda. My focus will be on developing recognition of the CIOB in each country so that membership is seen as the benchmark qualification for construction professionals accepted at all levels of government. We have work to do on access, and delivery of, CPD as well as how we engage students, career advisors and education providers. I am eager to get started and, with the Regional Council, build on what we have already accomplished.”

The CIOB has more than 500 members in the Middle East and is expecting to grow by 10% by the end of the year. In the last six months the Institute has opened its first full time office in Dubai. Currently the branch has CIOB Centres in Dubai, Oman and Qatar with active members and CIOB Ambassadors in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

The CIOB's strategy in the Middle East involves working together with Universities offering degrees in construction management, graduates, government, middle/senior managers in construction and both contractors and consultants; with the aim of promoting the benefits of an internationally recognised professional qualification and network.

Chris Blythe CIOB Chief Executive said, “Stephen is a great example of a CIOB member who really wants to make a difference. He has been tirelessly working with us for a number of years in the Middle East and his appointment is a reflection of how highly other members regard him. His experience and knowledge is a massive asset for us and our community in the region. This post is an indication of our commitment to members working in the Middle East. We look forward to working with Stephen over the next two years.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.

Our Mission

To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.

Our 7 Guiding Principles

· Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.

· Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.

· Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.

· Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency.

· Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science.

· Being socially responsible and working responsibly.

· Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.

We have over 47,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.

Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB Press and Communications Manager on t: 01344 630 766 or e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk.

*To unsubscribe from the CIOB’s press distribution service please reply to this email with the word ‘REMOVE’ in the subject field. Or contact the press office directly on t: +44 (0) 1344 630 766.

Saul Townsend MCIPR

Press and Communications Manager

The Chartered Institute of Building

t: +44 (0) 1344 630 766 f: +44 (0) 1344 630 770

e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk Twitter: CIOBsaul

w: www.ciob.org www.artofbuilding.org

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