The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has announced that Ola Obadara FCIOB will take up the role of Vice President for the 2025/26 term – making history as the first Black woman to hold the position in the organisation’s 191-year existence.
In a landmark appointment that reflects the evolving face of leadership in the construction industry, Ola Obadara FCIOB has been named CIOB Vice President for 2025/26. She will become President in 2027, following Saul Humphrey FCIOB and current President Paul Gandy FCIOB.
A proud milestone for diversity in construction leadership
Speaking on her historic appointment, Ola said: “Being appointed as the global Vice President of CIOB for 2025/26 is a significant honour and I am grateful for the privilege.
As the first Black woman to assume this role in the institute’s 191-year history, I recognise the responsibility that comes with this office and I look forward to serving the institute that has been instrumental in my career development, with dedication and pride.”
Ola’s appointment signals a powerful moment in the push for greater diversity and inclusion in construction leadership – a key priority for CIOB and many across the built environment sector.
A proven leader championing innovation, research, and technology in construction
Ola brings with her over two decades of experience across both public and private sector construction. She currently serves as Group Director for Property Projects at the City of London Corporation, and has been a CIOB Client Champion since 2021 – the same year she was awarded Fellowship status.
Her track record speaks to a deep commitment to progressive, people-centred approaches in the built environment, with a particular focus on inclusive procurement, equitable standards, and modern methods of construction.
She also serves on the British Standards Institution committee, where she is helping shape the development of inclusive PPE – a much-needed intervention in an industry where “one-size-fits-all” is finally being left behind.
In her new CIOB role, Ola has made it clear she’ll be focusing on three key pillars: research, innovation, and construction technology.
“With the global construction sector facing a major skills shortage, attracting new talent is only part of the solution,” she explained.
“Adoption of technological solutions must play a key role in bridging the gap. Innovation and technology will empower us to deliver better and faster, and we must lead the way in embedding these advancements throughout the design and construction lifecycle.”
Advancing construction in the age of AI and digital transformation
Ola has a strong vision for how digital construction technologies and AI in the built environment can drive transformation across the industry.
“With the advancement in technology and AI, the world is changing rapidly, but within this change lies an opportunity for construction to change the way we deliver projects,” she said.
“I am committed to advancing the development of technology, ensuring that our profession possesses the tools, skills, and knowledge to deliver the built environment of the future.”
This future-forward outlook aligns with CIOB’s strategic objectives around modernising construction practices, fostering sustainable innovation, and promoting global best practice in construction management.
As the sector continues to grapple with the twin challenges of climate change and digital disruption, voices like Ola’s – focused on inclusive, tech-enabled, research-led construction – will be essential in shaping what comes next.
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