BESA Appoints Tony Gilbert as First Chief Operating Officer

The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has appointed Tony Gilbert as its first chief operating officer as part of its strategic transformation. Gilbert, who has been working with BESA as a consultant, joins full-time in 2025. He brings extensive experience from his tenure at illumini consulting, where he specialized in organizational change for growth.

BESA’s CEO, David Frise, expressed confidence in Gilbert's abilities: “Tony brings enormous experience and vision to the Association and has already played a key role in our strategic review and re-organisation.”

A visionary leader, Gilbert aims to focus on delivering leadership and support to the industry amid challenges such as tough trading conditions, skills shortages, and the push towards digital technology and decarbonization. “It has been a real privilege to work closely with the staff and membership of this historic and forward-looking trade body as it re-sets for an exciting and challenging new era,” he remarked.

Gilbert's past clients include prominent organizations like the MHRA, Ministry of Justice, and Airbus, and his international experience spans across several countries including the US and France.