The BRE Trust has appointed Phil Wilbraham as its new chairman, to replace Sir James Wates CBE, who has been chairman of the Trust since 2014
Phil Wilbraham brings decades of leadership experience to the role, specifically from the construction and aviation sectors.
He will start the position this month, replacing Sir James Wates CBE, who has been chairman of the Trust since 2014.
Wilbraham joins after an extensive career in civil engineering and aviation, which includes a 4-year stint as expansion programme director at Heathrow. During his time at Heathrow, he led the completion of Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and the delivery of the airport’s Terminal 2.
He has worked as director of civil engineering with TPS Consult, where he was involved in private and public sector schemes from the feasibility stage through to design, construction and completion.
This included working for BAA on Terminal 5, which he was later in charge of, and many other projects at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. Phil has been a Trustee of the BRE Trust since 2018.
A contribution to the built environment
Phil Wilbraham said: “I am proud to lead the Trust at this crucial time, as the organisation modernises and prepares to make a crucial contribution to the new building safety regime.
“The Trust continues to support innovation underpinned by science, and as BRE celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the importance of both protecting knowledge and looking to the future is paramount.
“I thank Sir James warmly for his contribution and skilful leadership of the Trust since 2014.”
BRE’s CEO, Gillian Charlesworth, said: “BRE is thrilled to announce Phil as the Trust’s new chairman.
“With years of invaluable industry experience, we look forward to his contribution in helping us to innovate in the built environment, particularly as we emerge from the pandemic and grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and the need to build public confidence in building safety.
“BRE is working with responsible leaders across the sector in support of the government’s plans to build back better and reach net-zero by 2050 and we believe Phil will help us deliver on this.”
