Clive Bairsto, the former global head of resilience and crisis at National Grid has been appointed chief executive of Street Works UK.
He will take over from Bob Gallienne on 25 April, who is retiring after almost five years at the helm.
Bairsto joins as an experienced business leader with a background in utilities and government. He has held senior roles in the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
As director of integration and readiness for the London 2012 Olympics, he oversaw the strategic level training, risk assessment and readiness of LOCOG, transport, security, the mayor’s office and several other government departments and supporting bodies.
Prior to this he had a distinguished military career, which culminated in his role as RAF commander Scotland.
At National Grid, where he worked from September 2012 to May 2017, Bairsto led the design and delivery of a new resilience and crisis management programme.
He said: “I am delighted to be taking on this important role at an exciting time for the street works sector. Under the leadership of Bob Gallienne, Street Works UK has gone from strength to strength and cemented its position as the authoritative voice of the industry.
“With the government’s key priorities on infrastructure including broadband rollout, the installation of electric vehicle charging points and the housing programme being dependent on street works, it is more important than ever for utilities and their contractor partners to have a strong voice.
“It is vital that the industry continues to engage with policy makers to make the case for the contribution that street works make, and to work towards a policy landscape which reflects this. I am looking forward to working with our members to make sure we continue to have a constructive, working relationship with government and highways partners.”
Gallienne, added: “It’s been a privilege to have served as the chief executive of Street Works UK. The organisation is a champion of the industry and the role of street works, and an effective voice on behalf of its members.
“I am convinced that Clive, who comes into the role with a wealth of experience at the heart of government and in senior business positions, will move Street Works UK even further forward and I wish him, the board and our members continued success for the years ahead.”
The trade association represents utilities and their contractor partners on street works issues.
Its members include Cadent Gas, Thames Water, United Utilities and UK Power Networks.