Chris Blythe, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), publisher of GCR, has been named Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for services to the construction industry and the government.
Involved for more than 20 years in vocational education, training, and business development, Blythe has been chief executive of the CIOB since January 2000.
He is credited for work on raising awareness about modern slavery, skills shortages, education and migration.
CIOB chief executive Chris Blythe is credited for work on raising awareness about modern slavery, skills shortages, education and migration (CIOB)
Paul Nash CIOB President said: "Both personally and on behalf of the CIOB I am delighted that Chris has received this award in recognition of the contribution that CIOB has made both to the construction industry and the wider public interest under his leadership.
"Professional bodies such as ours have a key role to play, setting and maintaining standards of professionalism, providing access to education and knowledge, and ensuring that the issues that affect our industry are brought to the attention of politicians and policy makers. CIOB has been at the forefront of this work helping to raise awareness of issues such as skills shortages, migration and modern slavery. All this for the benefit of society."
In addition Mike Foy FCIOB, a CIOB Trustee, who serves on a variety of CIOB boards and committees has also been awarded an OBE for services to education.
Others honoured in the built environment sector were:
- Architect David Adjaye, who is also set to become Sir David Adjaye after receiving a knighthood for services to architecture. The architect, who heads up firm Adjaye Associates, is famed for projects including the Dirty House and Stephen Lawrence Centre.
- Ricky Burdett, professor of architecture and urban studies at the London School of Economics, received a CBE for services to urban planning and design.
- Anthony Wilson, director of sustainability and building at Aecom, was made an MBE for services to engineering.
- Chris Newsome, director of asset management at Anglian Water, was honoured with an OBE for for services to civil engineering and carbon reduction.
- FM Conway chief executive Mike Conway also picked up an MBE for services to UK construction, infrastructure support and road safety.
A full copy of the New Year’s Honours list can be found here.
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