Dr Victoria Hills has officially joined the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) as CEO. 

The former leader of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) started her new role on Friday 2 January 2026, bringing more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership. 

Victoria’s previous roles have seen her work in the membership sector, covering planning, transport, regeneration and regional government. She has also worked for all three Mayors of London. 

Speaking on her first day in the post, Victoria said: “I’m delighted to be joining the CIOB at such a critical time for the construction profession both domestically and internationally. We start 2026 from a position of strength, resilience, and clarity. The team’s hard work over the last year has provided solid foundations from which we can move forward together.  

“As we are now, unbelievably, a quarter of the way through the century, we have one eye on some of our milestone moments on the horizon. In 2026 the CIOB Academy will be 10 years old, and in four years’ time we’ll be celebrating 50 years of our Royal Charter. 

“Beyond the key dates, we have a significant opportunity to deliver in the here and now, and the next year’s focus will be to consolidate our efforts before looking to a review of the CIOB’s Corporate Plan.” 

Victoria conducted a full face-to-face interview with Construction Management magazine ahead of starting her new role, setting out some of her priorities as Chief Executive. 

You can read the interview in full here.