Johal took over on October 4 from Rob Oliver, who retired from the position after 20 years as the UK trade association's first chief executive.
She said that the last 18 months have been very testing for the industry and she is excited to see the sector beginning to recover.
Johal said she attended the National Highways event and the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) conference and that this has given her some great insight into key industry issues.
"High on the agenda of these events was net-zero and there is no doubt in my mind that the construction equipment industry has a critical role to play in the government’s carbon reduction targets," she wrote in an email to CEA members. "With the COP26 climate change conference coming up in November, I would very much like to hear about the steps you are taking to lower emissions in your company and the associated challenges you are facing."
She highlighted other challenges the industry is faced with. The CEA is consulting with its members about how the increase in energy and steel prices is impacting business.
She added that, with the upcoming Autumn Statement, Build Back Better, and driving digital change post-pandemic agenda, it is clear that there are not only challenges but opportunities ahead and there is a real potential for growth for both the CEA and the industry.
