Peter Jones, the Technical and Operational Efficiency Director at Skanska, has been awarded the honorary appointment in Construction Operation Excellence within the University’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering.
The role, which is for an initial three-year period from October 2023, aims to inform and support the University’s research and teaching programmes to ensure they are relevant to the current needs of industry.
Dr Jones brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked at Skanska for just short to two decades – starting off as Design Director in 2005 before taking up roles including Technical Director and Head of Design Management. He’s also held roles within the Department of Trade and Industry and HMRC.
Dean of the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering, Professor Malcolm Cook, said: “Our Visiting Professors are key stakeholders in our School Strategy. This collaboration is one we, as a School and University, are pleased to be a part of as it allows us to further strengthen our connection with industry benefiting all aspects of our work”.
“Skanska’s reputation for adopting advanced construction technologies will only benefit our development of these innovative tools which continue to have a real-world impact.
“We are glad Peter has joined our ranks and look forward to benefitting from his expertise.”
Responding to his new role, Dr Jones, who has a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering and PhD in concrete technologies from Loughborough, said: “I am delighted to have been awarded this role by Loughborough University and I am looking forward to using it to benefit the University in shaping its research activities.
“I hope to address the productivity improvements, digital transformation and carbon reduction needs of the industry whilst benefitting Skanska by keeping them in the loop on emerging technologies and practice - demonstrating to our customers & suppliers our commitment to innovation & research.
“This new role should also give me the opportunity to open up the real-life industry experiences that Skanska can offer to support the University’s teaching programmes.”