The Association for Consultancy and Engineering Group (ACE) has made two new appointments to its senior leadership team.   

Ben Brittain has been appointed as public affairs director and Marie-Claude Hemming as policy director, strengthening the association’s position as a leading voice for UK consultants and engineers in the built and natural environment.  

Brittain is an experienced policy and public affairs professional with a diverse career spanning academia, corporate and political advisory roles.  

He started his career at the University of Birmingham, where he held a research position specialising in infrastructure, regional economic development and devolution, providing in-depth expertise in urban and regional development.  

Brittain then served as an advisor to Andy Street, former Mayor of the West Midlands, leading on critical portfolios including transport, economy and the environment, helping shape policies to drive sustainable growth and connectivity across the region.  

Transitioning to the private sector, Brittain has most recently spent time at Zurich Insurance UK, where he has supported public affairs, leading on the public sector, AI in financial services, housing and remediation activity of the business.  

As director of public affairs at ACE - a new position at the association – Brittain will play a pivotal role managing and delivering the organisation’s public affairs and communications activity.  

He takes up his post today, 19 May.  

Communications and policy specialist Marie-Claude Hemming will join ACE on 30 June 2025 from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA).  

Hemming is known across the industry for getting stuff done.  

At CECA she developed and managed a thriving policy driven, public affairs and communications team and later took on wider organisational and leadership responsibilities as director of operations.  

With 13 years direct experience in the infrastructure sector, Hemming already has a strong and popular profile at C-suite level across the breadth of the construction industry. 

Hemming currently supports the work of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), and is responsible for its cross-industry workstreams on late payment and fairer contractual terms.  

As ACE’s new director of policy, Hemming will play a key role in developing and delivering the association’s policy activity.  

Her approach will focus on the establishment of a strong member led evidence base to support opinion, recommendation and timely intervention.   

Hemming will also lead on engagement with key decision makers, clients and the delivery of ACE’s policy event programme.  

Kate Jennings, chief executive officer at ACE Group, said: “Ben and Marie-Claude are joining ACE at an exciting time, with the government looking to publish the industrial and infrastructure strategies.  

“They will support the outstanding contributions to infrastructure our members are making and continue to build collaboration with government to create the conditions where our sector can thrive, creating better places to work and live and move the UK forward towards sustainable economic growth.” 

On his appointment Brittain said: “I’m thrilled to join the ACE Group at such a pivotal time for our members. I’m eager to connect with stakeholders, government representatives, and our dedicated membership to drive meaningful impact. 

“Our members are trusted partners to government, and with our industry’s collective expertise, we’re uniquely equipped to turn political ambitions of growth powered by infrastructure into a reality through a solutions focused approach.” 

Hemming added: “I am excited to work with the team to ensure ACE Group is always the first point of call for decision makers within the construction and infrastructure spheres. 

"The expectations of what good placemaking means for a 21st century society are rightfully high. 

"I look forward to championing the work of ACE Group so that every political voice understands the role our sector plays. Together we will deliver the world-class infrastructure and growth the UK so desperately needs.” 

The ACE Group comprises both ACE and EIC. 

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) is the leading business association for more than 400 professional consultancy and engineering companies who design, deliver, and manage the UK’s infrastructure and built environment. 

The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) represents the companies, large and small, working in the environmental services and technologies sector to deliver a more sustainable society.