Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE is stepping down as chief executive and president of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) after 14 years in the role. He is leaving to take up the role of chief executive officer at the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), replacing current managing director, Enrico Vink who will be retiring.

ACE’s Board has already started the process to find a replacement and will provide an update in due course. In the meantime, ACE and FIDIC have agreed to a smooth transition with the exact timings of Nelson’s departure to be confirmed once a replacement is lined up. Nelson will then move to join ACE's Advisory Board as its vice chair.

The current chair of ACE’s Board, and managing director of Ramboll UK, Mathew Riley said: "On behalf of ACE’s members, the Board, Advisory Board and entire staff, I would like to thank Nelson for his outstanding contribution to the transformation and development of ACE over the last 14 years. His achievements and unflinching dedication to the organisation have been both remarkable and inspiring.

"He has successfully positioned ACE at the top table where it has been able to influence Government, investor, developer and stakeholder decisions on infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable future for our industry. We wish Nelson the very best in his new role as chief executive officer of FIDIC and look forward to working with him in our on-going efforts to promote the business interests of professional consultancy and engineering companies globally."

Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE said: "I have seen many progressive changes during my time at ACE, but the one constant has been the regard in which the association is held by its members, by Government and by our many stakeholders in the construction and infrastructure sector.

"Given the growing importance of infrastructure, and the key contribution of consultancy and engineering companies in driving economic and social prosperity, leading ACE is a hugely significant role. My successor will be taking over an organisation working in a business sector with a bright and exciting future.

"ACE is one of the best-run business associations in the UK and leading it has been an enormous privilege and an amazing experience. I am immensely proud of the fantastic Board and staff members I have been lucky to work with over the years. Whoever takes over as chief executive will be working with a brilliant, diverse and talented corporate and operational team."

After his departure, Nelson has agreed to continue to support ACE as the Vice Chair of its Advisory Board, inputting into its strategic activities. A full update on the search for a new chief executive at ACE will be communicated in due course.

ACE represents the interests of professional consultancies and engineering companies operating in the social and economic infrastructure sectors. It has around 450 members who collectively employ 60,000 in the UK and 250,000 worldwide, contributing around £15 billion to the national economy.

FIDIC, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers represents the consulting engineering industry globally. The Federation promotes the business interest of firms supplying technology-based intellectual services for the built and natural environment. The FIDIC acronym stands for the French version of its name – Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils.

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