The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has engaged Andy Spencer as Independent chair of UK Concrete.
The MPA says Spencer brings extensive industry, sustainability and public affairs experience to this part time assignment at a significant moment for the sector.
He succeeds Chris Leese, who will continue in his wider role as MPA executive chair. Spencer has worked in the materials industry for over 30 years, including 20 years with Cemex, where he most recently served as vice president for corporate affairs and sustainability EMEA. He is well known across the construction materials industry for his work on industrial decarbonisation, stakeholder engagement and policy.
His appointment comes at an important time for the sector, with concrete vital to delivering the homes, schools, hospitals, workplaces and infrastructure the UK needs, while also evolving to meet changing expectations around performance, resilience and sustainability.
As chair of UK Concrete, Spencer will help lead the MPA’s work to engage political stakeholders, industry and public bodies, and build a better understanding of the material and sector’s role across the built environment lifecycle, including its contribution to resilient design, long-term performance and the energy transition.
Commenting on his appointment, Spencer said: “Concrete is vital to delivering the UK Government’s growth ambitions. From 1.5 million new homes to major transport projects, nuclear expansion and floating offshore wind, much of the infrastructure the country needs depends on it. I want to help articulate the value concrete brings — not only in terms of strength, durability and resilience, but also the progress the sector is making to decarbonise and innovate, and its wider socio-economic contribution to a more sustainable built environment.”
Chris Leese, executive chair of the MPA, added: “Andy brings extensive experience to the role and understands the strategic issues and opportunities facing the concrete industry. At a time when the UK concrete sector needs a clear, confident voice, he is exceptionally well placed to build on the important work already under way, support our members and help strengthen understanding of the sector’s contribution to a resilient, competitive and more sustainable domestic industry.”
