Hertfordshire, England: The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) has announced that Stephen Roots, Divisional Director FM and Health & Safety at AA Projects, will be the next Chairman of the Institute, effective January 1, 2017, and will succeed current Chairman, Julie Kortens.

On being elected as the next Chairman, Roots said: “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.”

Roots said that he has been actively involved with the BIFM for 12 years as a volunteer first, and later was associated with the BIFM Board for 4 years, most recently becoming a Deputy Chairman.

Outgoing Chairman, Kortens, added: “Having worked with Steve on the BIFM Board for the past few years and on Members Council before that I am confident he will make an excellent Chairman. He has been an integral part of the team that has helped to shape our future strategy, and I believe he will be an excellent champion throughout its implementation.”

BIFM said that Ashleigh Brown will continue in her post as Deputy Chairman.