IStructE is the world’s largest professional membership body dedicated to structural engineering, representing 30,000 members across 139 countries. Keith’s journey with the Institution spans over a decade of dedicated service. He first became involved in 2011 as a committee member for the Chester and North Wales Regional Group, before being appointed Chair in 2017 – a role he held for ten years. During this time, he organised monthly technical lectures and represented regional members on the Institution’s Council.
In 2019, Keith achieved Fellowship of the Institution (FIStructE), its highest grade of membership. This prestigious recognition reflects his professional excellence, experience, and leadership within the field.
Keith currently serves on the Institution Council, the Board of Trustees, and several key committees, including Membership, Engineering Leadership, and Resources. His election as President represents the highest honour bestowed by the Institution, recognising outstanding contribution and service. As President, Keith will act as the global figurehead for the Institution, championing structural engineering and the value of membership in a global professional organisation.
Keith has spent more than 25 years at Arcadis (formerly Hyder), specialising in the design, refurbishment, and strengthening of bridges. His experience includes work with major public sector clients such as Network Rail, National Highways, and, over the past decade, HS2.
Reflecting on his appointment, Keith said:
“My employer has been incredibly supportive of this once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity, which I consider a huge privilege. Arcadis has generously agreed that I can step away from fee‑earning work for much of 2027 to undertake this role. I will be only the second Welsh‑born President in the Institution’s nearly 120‑year history.”
Looking ahead to his presidential year, Keith emphasised both professional and personal priorities:
“As I look ahead to 2027, I am dedicating significant time to considering the contributions I can, and want, to make both to the Institution and to the wider engineering profession. While my position is the result of personal dedication and hard work, I must acknowledge the unwavering support I have always received from strong, encouraging peers and mentors.
“My goal will be to champion the positive aspects of structural engineering and the wider construction industry and to support anyone who wishes to make a meaningful difference in the world through the built environment.”
Keith is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness within the profession:
“A key part of my message will be encouraging open conversations around mental health. Experiencing a mental health crisis is not a sign of weakness. It can affect anyone, and no one should feel they have to face it alone.”
He further highlighted the importance of raising standards across the industry:
“There are many engineers, particularly in the private sector, who are not members of a professional body. Their competence is not independently assessed, and they are not bound by strict professional codes.”
Keith also encouraged students and early‑career engineers to engage with the Institution:
“Student membership of IStructE is free, and graduates also get their first year for free too. There are many benefits to be gained by students and early career engineers and I would encourage everybody to sign up. You gain access to online learning resources and >9k other student engineers from all over the globe. You can network with engineers of all ages and backgrounds in your geographic area or at the HQ in London. You can watch or attend talks and conferences, hearing from world-leading professionals on how structural engineers make a difference. You can showcase your own skills and make new friends with similar interests.”
Congratulations, Keith on this outstanding achievement.