Batsetswe Motsumi (Bats) has been appointed president of CICES, the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors. Seawork supporting organisation CICES is the leading international professional body for specialists in geospatial engineering and commercial management in infrastructure.
Bats, a commercial director at Costain currently working on the A12 Chelmsford to A120 Widening Scheme said, ‘CICES has been around for more than 50 years and has continued to evolve throughout its history - I’m looking forward to introducing a new focus.'
Clearly outlining his vision for the organisation under his leadership he explained, ‘During my year as president, I want to help the institution develop into an even more visible, more approachable and more welcoming organisation.
'As a Council of Management member for several years, I’ve seen what can be achieved when people with different backgrounds work towards a common goal. I believe that my focus on “Adding value through collaboration” will help our members achieve more for CICES, their own organisations and wider society.’
These sentiments were echoed by CICES Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Simon Hamlyn, who said, ‘While it’s a clear milestone that the institution has voted in its first non-white president since 1969, the real story is how we can continue to progress. In his 20 years as a CICES member, Batsetswe’s support of people working together to achieve more has always been apparent.
'But applying this alongside his extensive commercial experience, I’m confident he’ll help us deliver greater value for our members, their projects and processes. Under Batsetswe’s stewardship, our Council of Management, regional committees and colleagues are looking forward to this new era.’
Take a look at the video where Bats introduces himself and talks about one of his favourite projects, the beautifully sinuous Castleford Footbridge that crosses the River Aire in Yorkshire, UK.
