Martin Chambers, Network Rail’s programme director, has been elected as the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) 104th President.

Martin is currently responsible for Network Rail’s £500m redevelopment of Birmingham’s New Street Station.

Commenting on his appointment, Martin said, "It is a great honour to be made president of a body which represents 43,000 people. There are some big challenges for the construction industry, in many ways mirroring those in the rail sector.

“The topic in many people's mind at the moment is climate change and how we use our natural resources to continue our way of life.

“There has never been an issue that connects us so internationally as that of sustainability. In 1984 I remember installing solar panels, which at the time were seen as cutting edge and in some circle’s simply a fad. Today we know different and we are increasingly looking at new ways to generate, use and conserve energy efficiently. The construction industry is uniquely placed as part of its solution, but this must not be seen as just a UK issue it is an international one, and we must connect all our members and influence to help tackle it.”


Before joining Network Rail Martin was responsible for Laing O'Rourke’s integration of the group's construction and technology interests into the £500m first phase of Nottingham's Eastside Regeneration Area.

Prior to joining Laing O'Rourke he was Bovis Lend Lease Program Director and team leader for the 10 year, £1bn Defence Estates Project SLAM Prime Contract for the provision of accommodation for service personnel across England and Wales.

Earlier in his career Martin was the Associate Director for Mace Limited in the Midlands. He was responsible for the £114m Millennium Point project in Birmingham, where he now serves on the Board. Millennium Point was the catalyst for the start of Birmingham City Council's current £6bn redevelopment of the City's Eastside.

Martin graduated from Aston University, Birmingham in 1981 and then, following 2 years working overseas with George Wimpey, he went on to complete a Diploma in Employment Studies at Salford University.

(SP)