HTMA announces new chair and vice-chair

Peter McDermott takes the helm and announces the appointment of Ian Spellacey as vice-chairman

THE Highways Term Maintenance Association (HTMA) has announced the appointment of Peter McDermott as its new chairman. He takes over the role from Lee Rushbrooke, chief executive of Colas, who has completed his two-year term of office.

Mr McDermott, national highways director at Capita, has been involved with the HTMA since 2011 as a committee member. He has been part of the recent strategic review of the association and joined the executive team at the end of 2014.

In addition, whilst vice-chairman he took on the role of exec owner of the HTMA People & Careers working group and has been active within various stakeholder meetings.

In accepting the chairman role, Mr McDermott (pictured) spoke about the growing importance of technology within the industry and his plans to focus on this during his term of office.

He said: ‘It is anticipated that the application of new technologies will radically change our industry over the coming five to 10 years and HTMA has a key part to play in how new technologies are developed, adapted and adopted. There are potential solutions to many of our challenges through the application of technology, including health and safety, attractiveness of the industry, improving efficiencies and tackling skills shortages.’

In his first act as chairman, Mr McDermott announced the result of the members’ vote for Ian Spellacey, strategic highways – client director at Atkins, to be appointed as the HTMA’s new vice-chair.

Mr Spellacey has been a member of the HTMA committee for the past five years, became the sponsor of the Health, Safety & Wellbeing working group in 2016 and joined the executive team in 2017.

He commented: ‘I work with many of our client, stakeholder, trade and membership associations at an executive level, and in doing so would hope to have fostered good links across each of these – all of which I believe will support the future development of the HTMA.

‘I am looking forward to working with Peter in leading the association over the next two years.’

HTMA chief executive George Lee said: ‘The HTMA is in a strong position with its links into industry and wealth of expertise within its membership. There has been a very effective executive team guiding the HTMA over the past two years and those individuals will provide continuity as they remain involved within the association.

‘The sector has challenges ahead with regards to the ongoing pressures of limited revenue funding, concerns over a skills gap in the industry and uncertainty over the effects of Brexit. However, I have great confidence that the leadership both Peter McDermott and Ian Spellacey bring, will help us build the HTMA’s capacity to offer sound knowledge and experience, ability and enthusiasm to deal with these challenges and guide the association as it continues to contribute positively to the industry.’