Hannah Vickers is stepping down as Chief Executive in July 2021 to join major construction and consultancy firm, Mace. ACE’s board has already started the process of finding a replacement.

Commenting on her departure in a blog on our website, current ACE chair Paul Reilly said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Hannah for her huge contribution and wish her all the best in her new role. Successfully navigating the organisation through the pandemic, she leaves ACE in an excellent position – financially robust, with a strong pipeline of impactful projects and an influential voice with policymakers.

“I will be working with the board to find a new CEO who can build on these firm foundations to further grow ACE’s influence across the UK. Whether in Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont, the Senedd, or at a local level with metro-mayors, ACE will continue to make the case that its members are key delivery partners for government on issues like levelling-up, Net Zero and building back better post-COVID.”

Hannah Vickers said in the press release: “I’m extremely proud of what ACE achieved in my time in charge and I am sure that my successor will be able to take our good work to new heights.

“I’d like to thank colleagues for helping to bring my ideas to life. Whether providing a space for members to discuss the future of consultancy, helping them through the pandemic with relevant and timely support, or moulding the organisation to better reflect the world we now work in, our people always delivered despite sometimes difficult circumstances.

“Finally, I’d also like to thank the board, and especially my two chairs Mathew Riley and Paul Reilly, for their never-wavering support through what has been an often tumultuous period.”

Hannah’s departure will not affect the day-to-day running of ACE. The organisation will continue with a strong senior leadership team working on your behalf: Darrell Matthews (Director of Membership and Business Engagement), Matthew Farrow (Director of Policy), James Ketchell (Head of Communications) and Andy Walker (Editor, Infrastructure Intelligence) will continue the work delivering ACE’s 2021 programme. They will be joined by recently promoted Claire Clifford who becomes Director of People, Skills and Culture. All are on hand to answer any questions or queries about today’s news.

ACE will provide an update to members and the industry as soon as possible.