The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE Group) has announced two major leadership appointments, strengthening its strategic leadership at a critical time for the UK infrastructure, engineering and environmental sectors.
Professor Denise Bower OBE, Group Director for External Engagement at Mott MacDonald, has been appointed Chair of ACE, while Tetra Tech’s Rukhsana Faiz becomes Chair of the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC), the environmental arm of ACE Group.
The appointments come as the consultancy and engineering sector faces growing pressure around infrastructure delivery, net zero targets, pipeline certainty, skills shortages and investment reform.
Both leaders bring extensive experience spanning consultancy, government engagement, infrastructure delivery and sustainability strategy — areas becoming increasingly central to major rail and transport programmes across the UK.
Professor Bower has built a career across academia, infrastructure policy and consultancy leadership, including previous roles as Executive Director of the Major Projects Association and Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds. She has also worked closely with the former Infrastructure and Projects Authority on improving major project preparation and delivery.
Her appointment signals ACE’s intention to strengthen the consultancy sector’s voice in national infrastructure decision-making as the Government advances major reform programmes across transport, energy and housing.
Speaking after the appointment, Professor Bower said one of her priorities would be ensuring consultancy and engineering firms are recognised as key delivery partners for national growth ambitions.
“Engineering and design consultancies have deep expertise and influence, but too often we lack a clear, united voice in key government conversations,” she said.
“This is a pivotal moment for the UK, and together we can ensure consultancy and engineering play a central role in delivering resilient infrastructure, economic growth and net zero ambitions.”
For the rail sector, the appointment reflects a broader shift toward more integrated infrastructure planning, where consultancy expertise is increasingly influencing not just project delivery, but also policy formation, financing structures and long-term resilience strategies.
Meanwhile, newly appointed EIC Chair Rukhsana Faiz brings more than 28 years of international experience across sustainability, energy transition, circular economy and environmental transformation programmes.
Currently Managing Director of Environment, Sustainability and Planning at Tetra Tech, Faiz has advised organisations across energy, utilities, industrial and infrastructure sectors on decarbonisation and sustainable growth strategies.
Her appointment reflects the growing importance of environmental governance and sustainability delivery across infrastructure projects, including rail enhancement, electrification and transit-oriented development programmes.
Faiz said the environmental sector now had a critical role to play in shaping the UK’s low-carbon transition.
“The transition to a low-carbon, resilient and resource-efficient economy presents both significant challenges and opportunities for industry, government and society,” she said.
“EIC has a vital role to play in championing environmental innovation, promoting progressive policy and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of sustainable growth and clean technology leadership.”
ACE Chief Executive Milda Manomaityte said the appointments came at a crucial moment for the sector as it works with government on issues including regulatory reform, skills investment and infrastructure pipeline certainty.
For rail businesses and suppliers, the leadership changes highlight the increasingly strategic role consultancy firms are playing in shaping how future transport and infrastructure investment is planned, financed and delivered.
As rail projects become more closely tied to net zero objectives, ESG requirements and economic growth strategies, organisations capable of combining technical expertise with policy and sustainability leadership are likely to play an increasingly influential role across the sector.
