The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE Group) is delighted to announce two significant leadership appointments, underscoring the organisation's commitment to strategic expertise and sector-wide influence.

ACE Group today announced that Professor Denise Bower OBE, Group Director for External Engagement at Mott MacDonald has been appointed as Chair of ACE and Rukhsana Faiz , of Tetra Tech, has been appointed Chair of the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC), which forms part of the environmental wing of ACE Group.

Denise is an experienced leader and highly qualified civil engineer who brings a depth of global infrastructure expertise spanning academia, consultancy and strategic policy engagement. 

She has served on the Mott MacDonald Executive Board as part of a team that delivered unparalleled financial performance, helping to shape the employee-owned company's global approach to client and partner relationships, thought leadership and sustainability.  

Denise's impressive infrastructure career includes serving as the Executive Director of the Major Projects Association and as Professor in the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds. She was a long-standing member of the Infrastructure Client Group and previously worked closely with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (replaced by NISTA) to improve major project preparation and delivery. Her deep understanding of the policy, finance and funding environment surrounding infrastructure development makes her a key voice in shaping national and international priorities. 

Denise is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to engineering and construction. She is also a member of the British Museum Master Plan Committee and was Chair of the CBI Infrastructure Council and an ICE Member of Council. 

Denise Bower, Chair of ACE, said: “As Chair of ACE, I will bring clarity, purpose and strategic leadership to ensure our sector is recognised as a vital partner in delivering national priorities. Engineering and design consultancies have deep expertise and influence, but too often we lack a clear, united voice in key government conversations.

“My priority will be to bring our members together to unlock our collective potential – informing ACE’s strategic direction, influencing policy through evidence-based engagement, raising the profile of our sector, and strengthening partnerships at both local and national level. This is a pivotal moment for the UK, and together we can ensure consultancy and engineering play a central role in delivering resilient infrastructure, economic growth and net zero ambitions.”  

Rukhsana Faiz is a highly respected business leader, Chartered Engineer and sustainability expert with more than 28 years of international experience spanning consultancy, industry, government, SMEs and academia. She is the Managing Director of Environment, Sustainability and Planning (ESP) at Tetra Tech Ltd. and leads the energy and utility sector, driving strategic growth, sustainable infrastructure delivery and operational excellence across complex markets. 

Widely recognised for her expertise in the energy transition, net zero strategy, sustainability, circular economy and cleantech sectors, Rukhsana has advised organisations across the energy, industrial, oil and gas, municipal, utilities and process sectors. Her leadership combines deep technical expertise with commercial and strategic insight, enabling businesses and governments to navigate decarbonisation, resilience and environmental transformation at scale.   

Rukhsana holds Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering degrees, is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. Her appointment reflects her standing as an influential industry leader and trusted adviser within the UK’s environmental, infrastructure and sustainability communities. 

Rukhsana Faiz, Chair of EIC, said: “I am honoured to accept the role of Chair of EIC at such a pivotal time for the environmental and sustainability sector. The transition to a low-carbon, resilient and resource-efficient economy presents both significant challenges and opportunities for industry, government and society. 

“EIC has a vital role to play in championing environmental innovation, promoting progressive policy and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of sustainable growth and clean technology leadership. I am committed to working collaboratively with members, government and stakeholders to strengthen the voice of the sector, accelerate practical solutions and help create the conditions needed to deliver long-term environmental and economic value.   

“I look forward to supporting EIC’s strategic ambitions and helping drive forward the technologies, expertise and partnerships that will shape a more sustainable future.” 

Milda Manomaityte, Chief Executive of ACE, said: “Denise and Rukhsana bring an exceptional combination of strategic insight, policy influence and sector leadership. Their experience spanning industry, government engagement and academia will be invaluable as ACE continues to strengthen its voice and impact on behalf of our members.

“Their appointments comes at a critical time for the sector, as ACE works with government and stakeholders to address geopolitical and regulatory risks, support pipeline certainty, influence skills investment and ensure consultants are central to shaping how public and private finance supports national priorities.”