Mark Kowal has been elected as the BCO president with immediate effect. His election will demonstrate how the office is meeting the challenges of our era, from hybrid working to adopting sustainable practices
Kowal’s election as BCO president comes at a crucial time for the industry, just two months after the UK government lifted Plan B restrictions and work from home guidance.
Mark Kowal is Chairman of this year’s BCO Annual Conference in Manchester, which will bring together professionals who design, build, manage or occupy office space and focus on reimagining the modern workplace.
Following the disruption of the past two years, the conference will seek to reset the role of the office in our lives, define what is to come for the sector and address the challenges presented by a new era of openness, agility, and flexibility, as well as ever-increasing environmental challenges.
Speakers at the event include the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, the MSP for Edinburgh Central, Ruth Davidson, and the Director of the Institute for Government, Bronwen Maddox, alongside senior industry figures from Bruntwood, Cushman & Wakefield and U+I.
With over 25 years of experience, Mark has knowledge across multiple aspects of office design, including speculative and headquarters buildings, covering both new-build and refurbishment solutions.
Overseeing the evolving needs of the modern workforce
Commenting on his election, Kowal said: “The past two years have enabled us to pause and reset our ambitions for the office.
“With UK businesses facing a range of challenges, from the environmental to the diverse and evolving needs of the modern workforce, I know our membership will help their tenants not only overcome such challenges, but thrive as a result.
“As we look to the future, the entire sector has an important role to play in providing buildings and work environments that are better for workers and for our planet.
“The BCO membership and other thought leaders are positioned to help shape what is to come, enabling us all to unite and to innovate in an increasingly agile environment. This is our time to use our expertise, to be open-minded, to be innovative. Our time is now.
“I am certain that the BCO will remain a guiding light, leading the sector through a period of great disruption and change. I am proud to be taking over the Presidency and thank Robin for his diligent and valuable work during a very challenging period.”
Mark’s expertise and insight will be invaluable to the BCO
Richard Kauntze, chief executive of the BCO, added: “I am delighted to have Mark as our President for the coming year, and as the Chairman for the return of our in-person BCO Annual Conference after the disruption of the past two years.
“His expertise, insight and ideas will be invaluable to the BCO and its members during his Presidency. I also offer my sincere thanks to Robin for his exceptional hard work and good humour in a very challenging year. Robin’s Presidency and stewardship of the BCO during the most trying of times leaves a vital legacy.”
