UKGBC appoints new Director of Communications, Policy & Places

Simon brings over 25 years’ experience in communications, business development, industry and policy & advocacy to UKGBC, having held a wide range of roles spanning across the construction, finance and not-for-profit sectors. As UKGBC’s new Director of Communications, Policy & Places, Simon will lead the policy and political advocacy with national, devolved and local government, as well as managing corporate communications with members, media and the wider industry. He will also have oversight of UKGBC’s portfolio of place-based projects, local networks and social value programme.
Simon will join UKGBC from the Active Building Centre, where he currently holds the position of Head of Engagement, leading on their advocacy, communications, marketing and policy work. Previous roles include six years at the innovative housebuilder HAB Housing as Sales Director, and five years at global conservation charity WWF, where he drove their work on the sustainable homes agenda – during this time he sat on the UK government’s 2016 Zero Carbon Task Force and Wales’ Low and Zero Carbon Hub. Prior to joining WWF, Simon enjoyed a diverse career, with roles in the finance sector as an international tax consultant, as well as spending several years as a tabloid newspaper reporter. He is currently a NED for the Welsh-based sustainable construction and skills social enterprise, Down to Earth, and for a mental health-focussed events organisation Peloton Running.
Joining UKGBC at the start of September, Simon will succeed John Alker, who after 14 years of service will be joining Legal & General Capital as their new Head of Sustainability. John will continue to work closely with UKGBC as a key stakeholder within the organisation’s membership community.
Simon McWhirter, incoming Director of Communications, Policy & Places:
“Following John’s sterling work at UKGBC will be no mean feat, but with the surge in the national focus on Net Zero Carbon, and the international sustainability spotlight of COP26 focussed on the UK, this feels like a pivotal moment to be joining the team.
“For 14 years UKGBC has been the fulcrum for progressive and radical change towards a more sustainable built environment, and after working alongside the team as both a member and on specific projects throughout that time, I’m delighted to now roll my sleeves up to help drive even greater change.”
Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC:
“I’m delighted to welcome Simon into UKGBC at such a pivotal moment in our journey. The breadth of multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral experience Simon brings is fairly unique, and as an already well-known face to many of our members and staff, I feel sure he will hit the ground running.
“With COP26 less than 100 days away, there is much to be done to galvanise momentum and secure stronger commitment from policy-makers, as well as uniting the industry around common goals and messages. By taking on the critical role of Director of Communications, Policy & Places at UKGBC, Simon will have my full support in ensuring that we find ever more effective and impactful ways of doing both.”
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