Engineers Without Borders UK announce new Chair and Trustee

Taking on the role of Chair is Mathew Riley, an experienced and respected leader across the property and infrastructure sectors. Mathew has held senior executive roles for client, contracting and consultancy organisations and brings a deep understanding of the value and impact of responsible engineering to the role. He has also been appointed to the Board of Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), the Board of RICS Construction Forum and The Mayor of London’s Infrastructure Delivery Board.

Technical Leader in People and Development at Laing O’Rourke, Paul Skerry, steps into the Trustee position, bringing more than 30 years’ experience in building and civil engineering to Engineers Without Borders. Prior to LOR, Paul spent more than 20 years at Royal BAM Group and holds several leadership roles with various panels such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).

The two join the existing board to take the organisation into the next phase of organisational development.

CEO of Engineers Without Borders UK, John Kraus, said: “These pivotal roles will have a significant impact on the future of the Engineers Without Borders movement and, as a result, the wider engineering sector.

“Our mission is to transform engineering teaching and practice to meet the needs of people and planet. We are uniquely placed to drive the change needed to address the major challenges of our time, and Mathew and Paul will help us achieve this.”

On taking up his appointment as Chair, Mathew said: “The work by Engineers Without Borders in the UK and across their international network is both inspiring and transformational. For me, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to influence a movement of people who put global responsibility at the heart of engineering to ensure a safe and just future for all.”

Paul also shared: ‘I consider myself very fortunate to be able to work with Engineers Without Borders UK as we progress on the journey to a more sustainable and equitable society. While supporting the development of young engineers, I’ve noticed how many struggle to make the link between the decisions they make in their day-to-day work and how these impact global targets. Engineers Without Borders UK is already doing great work to raise awareness in this space and has exciting plans to do much more in the future. It’s great to be a part of that’.