The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) has announced its next Chairman as Stephen Roots.

Roots currently works at AA Projects as Divisional Director FM and Health & Safety and will start his new role at the institute on January 1 next year, succeeding current Chairman Julie Kortens. Meanwhile, Ashleigh Brown will continue in her post as Deputy Chairman.

One of the major developments during Kortens’ tenure has been the opening up of routes to the Board, part of the wider governance changes that were ratified at the 2016 AGM. Over the coming weeks there will be more information on this new nomination and selection process for non-Executive Director positions to the Board.

Speaking on his election as the next Chairman at the October Board meeting, Stephen Roots, commented: “It was a huge honour to be voted as Chairman-Elect of BIFM and I look forward to taking up the post from January. Throughout my career in FM I have passionately supported and endorsed the role that the Institute has to play in representing the interests of the profession, raising standards and providing the educational framework and services for FM professionals to develop.

“I have been actively involved with the BIFM for 12 years as a volunteer first within my region, and with the BIFM Board for 4 years and most recently as Deputy Chairman. Having worked closely with Julie and the Board, I am excited to be taking the helm to continue to build on these foundations and the strategy set by the Board, which is already starting to yield results and which I believe is the key to the future success of the Institute.

“I also want to take this moment on behalf of the Board to thank Julie Kortens for all she has done for BIFM over her tenure. I have worked closely with Julie during this time and seen the hard work put in to direct, change and evolve the Institute to build its resilience and ability to grow into the future. Her continued support, guidance and counsel is invaluable, and I personally thank Julie for the support she has lent me in this transition.”