Willmott Dixon's Commercial Manager Steve Nitman has been appointed as the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) first ever chair of trustees following the move earlier this year to create the role.

Steve, a long-serving CIOB Trustee, has worked at Willmott Dixon's Midlands' office for nearly 20 years in a variety of commercial roles. The company has supported Steve's work with the CIOB as part of its approach to delivering continuous improvement in the construction industry.

The role of CIOB Chair came about following a recent governance review carried out by the Institute, with the role created to work alongside the CEO and President. This new post, lasting for a two to three year term, is intended to provide leadership to the Board of Trustees with a focus on ensuring it has agreed priorities, appropriate structures and processes and a productive culture.

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The CIOB President will take the role of an ambassadorial figure head, continuing to meet members and supporting CIOB Hubs in the regions.

He said: "I am privileged to be part of CIOB, as a global organisation combining an open culture with professional commitment. As the first Chair of the Board of Trustees, I am looking forward to leading the Trustee team to help move the Institute forward at a time of transformation for all construction professionals, the Institute and the industry. I would also like to thank my colleagues at Willmott Dixon for their continued support, which has given me the opportunity to take on this role and give something back to the industry and future professionals."

CIOB chief executive Caroline Gumble said: "Steve will make an excellent first Chair of our Board of Trustees. I believe he will make an independent and objective leader, able to help create a transparent, trusting and open environment. Having been a long-standing member, he is also well placed to uphold the tenets of the Institute and provide oversight, encouragement and guidance to the Trustees and Institute executives. I'm very much looking forward to working with him as Chair, alongside our President."

The appointment was made following receipt of applications from among chartered members, the establishment of a working group to short-list applications and undertake interviews. Steve will take up the role officially at the conclusion of CIOB’s AGM, taking place virtually on 29 June 2022.