The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has appointed Ayo Allu FCIOB MAPM as the new chair of its Client Steering Group.

Ayo has been a CIOB Client Champion and a member of the steering group since 2023 and works as a Principal Consultant at AAA Project Services. He brings extensive experience across the UK built environment sector, working with clients, contractors, and investors on infrastructure, education, civic, and residential projects.

He will take over the role in December, replacing Mike Foy FCIOB OBE, who became the first chair of the group when it was founded in 2023. This followed his term as CIOB President, during which he placed clients at the heart of his agenda.

The steering group exists to drive CIOB’s client strategy, which aims to support construction clients to make informed decisions about their projects and understand their part in achieving quality outcomes via resources such as the CIOB Client Guide - Leading Projects in the Built Environment, the second edition of which was published earlier this year.

Ayo Allu said: “The CIOB Client Strategy has gained real momentum since its launch in 2023, and I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Steering Group for the next three years. I look forward to working closely with Linda Stevens, CIOB Head of Client Development, and colleagues to develop and implement the next phase of the strategy.”

Linda Stevens, CIOB head of client development said: “Ayo’s leadership will further strengthen collaboration between clients, practitioners, and end users, helping CIOB’s client-focused initiatives drive innovation, sustainability, and best practice across the industry.

“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the outgoing Chair, Mike Foy, for his visionary leadership in establishing the Client Steering Group. His expert guidance over the past three plus years and his lifelong commitment to making a difference have been truly inspirational.”

Supporting Ayo will be Jennifer Makkreel, Associate Director of Capital Projects at the University of Oxford, who has been appointed Vice Chair of the Client Steering Group. Jennifer brings a wealth of expertise and insight that will help guide the Steering Group’s priorities and initiatives. Together, Ayo and Jennifer will continue to champion collaboration between clients, practitioners, and end users — for the benefit of society.

For more information about CIOB’s Client Strategy visit: https://www.ciob.org/industry/support-for-clients/professional