CIOB appoints Caroline Gumble as chief executive

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has appointed Caroline Gumble, the former chief operating officer at Make UK, as its new chief executive.

Gumble’s appointment comes following the retirement of Chris Blythe after 19 years. She will take up her new role in August.

Gumble has extensive business experience gained in the UK and overseas. Her experience covers several of the CIOB’s key operating areas, including management of apprentice and technical training and open course and bespoke training programme development. In her most recent role, she led the commercial services division of EEF Ltd (now known as Make UK), with a significant focus on lifelong learning for the manufacturing sector, health, safety and sustainability, and cyber security services.

Chris Soffe, president of the CIOB, said: “I am delighted to confirm that following an extensive recruitment process we have secured a new chief executive for the CIOB. Following Chris Blythe’s exemplary tenure, the Institute is on a firm footing and ready to tackle the future challenges of our industry and society. Caroline has her own brand of leadership skills needed to take the Institute forward and will re-energize support for our members as they shape the built world around us.”

Caroline Gumble said: “I’m looking forward to taking up the role of CEO. The CIOB has a long and proud history in an important industry. I want to continue upholding the Institute’s public benefit mission and promote best practice and high quality in building and construction.”