Alan Crane will take over from James Wates, deputy chairman of the Wates Group

Alan Crane has been appointed as the 109th president of the Chartered Institute of Building, taking over from James Wates, deputy chairman of the Wates Group.

Crane said: “Being president of the CIOB is a real privilege and I couldn’t be taking over at a more exciting time. Next year London hosts the Olympic Games and that has tremendous potential to give the whole country a lift. If we can transfer some of that buzz into the rest of the industry everyone will benefit; construction has a lot to be proud about.

“If you believed everything you read at the moment you wouldn’t bother getting up in the morning. But I believe this industry and the CIOB must continue to adapt and be positive about what we can achieve. In my career I have always thought of myself as an agent of change. That’s actually what construction is about – change. We’re looking to shake things up, and break the mould of the traditional professional institute approach.

“The CIOB wants to do more for workers and employers and for those thinking about a career in construction. We want to be at the heart of that - which means growing our work beyond membership. Our idea is to create something with increasing value using our relationships with universities, and other education providers, to give employers a bigger say in the curriculum. In fact we want to give them the biggest say they have ever had. For employees what we develop will truly increase employability.

“Until BIM can predict the future we’re going to have to create it. There is no more important place to start than with the people who make up this great industry. Everything else is a result of what they do and the skills they have.”

During a 40-year career in the construction industry, Crane has held senior positions within Bovis International, Travers Morgan Consulting Group and Christiani & Nielsen Group. He has been responsible for the development and construction of projects including Canary Wharf,Eurodisney, and Petronas Towers in Malaysia.  In 2002 he was awarded a CBE for innovation and services to the construction industry.

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