The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has announced Mike Kagioglou as its President for the 2024/25 term.
Kagioglou, who is also the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Business Innovation at De Montfort University in Leicester, aims to leverage his new role to emphasise the importance of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the construction sector.
Speaking at CIOB’s annual Members’ Forum event in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 25, Kagioglou highlighted the need for the construction industry to focus on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation.
“In 2015 — what seems like a lifetime ago — the United Nations adopted the SDGs to guide how, as a global community, we tackle humanity’s biggest challenges,” he stated.
“They are about sustainability in the broader sense. They are about the quality of our lives, access to justice, economic growth, and productive employment.”
Kagioglou emphasised that many of the 17 SDGs are directly relevant to the construction sector and align with CIOB’s corporate plan.
He noted, “The built environment affects everyone. It is the foundation of economies everywhere – offices, shops, infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and housing.
“More than that, our people delivering those buildings and infrastructure are part of communities — through our workforce, our supply chains, and the users of what we create.”
Kagioglou succeeds Sandi Rhys Jones OBE, FCIOB, becoming the 121st person to hold the position of CIOB President.
His distinguished career includes roles such as Pro Vice-Chancellor of Global Development (Europe and UK) and Dean of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at Western Sydney University (WSU), Australia.
He has also directed two government-funded innovative manufacturing research centres in the built environment and healthcare infrastructure and has been instrumental in establishing educational units and structures in multiple universities across two countries.
Caroline Gumble, CEO of CIOB, expressed her enthusiasm for Kagioglou’s appointment, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mike into the role of CIOB President. Mike’s international perspective and experience as an academic will be very beneficial to CIOB’s work, particularly in continuing to strengthen links between industry and academia.
“His knowledge will contribute to many of our areas of focus but, with his expertise, I know he will be key in driving forward our environmental sustainability work and our efforts to help close the skills gap.”
Kagioglou’s presidency is expected to bring a renewed focus on sustainability and innovation within the construction industry, aligning with global efforts to meet the SDGs and enhance the quality of life through sustainable development.