Caroline Gumble has announced that she is stepping down as CEO of the Chartered Institute of Building in July 2025 to take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
Chair of the CIOB’s Board of Trustees, Steve Nitman, said: “Caroline has put the CIOB on a solid, forward-looking platform, addressing the needs of the modern professional, and it has been my privilege to work alongside a CEO that has delivered what they set out to do.
“There is sometimes an air of trepidation when bringing in a successor to such a long-standing CEO, especially for the CIOB. However not in Caroline’s case, bringing a fresh invigoration, energy and work ethic that brought the best out of people allowing them to develop, take responsibility and accountability to take the CIOB to the next level, developing contacts and strategies to make the Institute the best home for built environment professionals. I would wish Caroline every success in the future.”
CIOB’s President, Professor Mike Kagioglou, said: “Caroline was able to cement the global presence and influence of CIOB as the largest professional body for construction management in the world. I know I speak for more than 50 thousand members across more than a hundred countries globally when I say that she will leave CIOB in a much stronger position, continuing its growth and impact. We are delighted for her next progression and wish her the very best, knowing that her successor will have some large boots to fill and a great opportunity to build on Caroline’s work.”
Caroline has been CIOB Chief Executive since August 2019 and was responsible for leading the organisation through the global Covid 19 pandemic and the UK lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, at the same time as advocating for clarity for the construction sector and collaborating closely and successfully with sister professional bodies.
In her time at CIOB Caroline was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton, for her “positive impact in raising the profile of women in property and construction”. She was also proud to become Visiting Professor of Global Engagement and Transformation – Built Environment at Loughborough University.
Caroline said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve CIOB and act as a custodian for this wonderful Institute. It has been an inspiring role. I have been constantly motivated by what our members achieve. I came to deeply appreciate what a talented, dedicated, generous and remarkable group of people they are. I have every confidence they are capable of transforming the future of the industry. I’m also proud that I was able to bring together a new team within CIOB focussed on delivering the headline themes of sustainability, tackling the skills gap and promoting EDI initiatives and support for clients, helping to drive the quality and safety agenda.”
Reflecting on the future, Caroline added: “2025 is the mid-point for CIOB’s current 5-year corporate plan, which has been a strong foundation for much of our recent work, and it is also the conclusion of our 190th anniversary celebrations. My successor will have the chance to shape the next corporate plan and look forward to the Institute’s 200th anniversary – this seems like a good point at which to hand over the reins”.
Caroline also presided over the CIOB brand refresh in 2021, updated to shine a light on the Institute’s new, more impactful identity, supporting the growth in membership and a higher profile for the organisation. She was instrumental in the shift to refocus CIOB on its public benefit mission, delivering for the industry and for society, and in the transition from the Novus brand for young professionals to today’s vibrant Tomorrows’ Leaders community, better ensuring the voices of new entrants to the industry can help drive the industry forward. She will leave the role in early July 2025. Recruitment for CIOB’s next CEO is underway, with the process being overseen by the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
