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CIRIA announces new Council Chair


CIRIA welcomes Jonathan Simm as the new chair of its member council, as Doug Waters hands over the baton.

Doug, who stepped down as chairman last month, has been greatly influential over the last four years in supporting CIRIA and its members in their mission to champion performance improvement across the industry. In particular, Doug has played an instrumental role in the set up and running of CIRIA’s National Infrastructure Client Leadership Group which brings together some of the largest UK providers from transport and utilities sectors.

Doug Waters, Airports Commission Construction and Delivery Manager at Gatwick Airport said; “CIRIA is a great organisation and remains one of the industry’s best kept secrets. I have greatly enjoyed my time as Chair of Council and it has been very rewarding to see Council and the Exec Board coming together, with Council now having a more active role in helping to steer CIRIA. I wish Jonathan every success with the role and continued success and growth for the organisation.”

Doug, who is leaving Gatwick in April, makes way for Jonathan Simm. Jonathan is Chief Technical Director of Resilience, HR Wallingford, where he is responsible for developing technical capabilities across all aspects of resilience in the water environment.

A widely respected figure within industry, Jonathan has nearly 30 years’ experience in producing guidance documents for civil and hydraulic engineering, including the International Levee Handbook C731 (2013).He also has multiple external roles including chairing a European committee responsible for all aggregate products and CIRIA’s Water Advisory Panel.

Jonathan Simm, newly appointed Chairman said; “I am delighted to be taking on this new role after the excellent leadership provided by Doug. I look forward to working with CIRIA and using my experience to lead Council in providing insightful guidance on CIRIA’s direction of travel.”

Leanne Clowting, Membership and Marketing Services Director at CIRIA commented; “Jonathan has been involved with CIRIA activities for a number of years and I am delighted to welcome him as Council chair. I look forward to working with him, and our council members who continue to help shape CIRIA’s work within industry. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Doug, on behalf of myself, the CIRIA team and our members, for his hard work, support and commitment over the years.”
 

Doug Waters, Gatwick Airport (left) and
Jonathan Simm, HR Wallingford (Right).


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