Gareth Wake will head up the British Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (BRMCA), the MPA products group which represents the interests of UK ready-mixed concrete producers; Steve Wharton has been appointed to lead MPA Masonry, the newly formed product group to share best practice and promote the benefits of concrete building blocks, aerated products, and mortars; and Luke George joins MPA in a new role as economic and policy analyst.
Gareth Wake has 25 years of industry experience having worked in technical management for the ready-mixed concrete industry for CEMEX and Tarmac. During that time, he has provided technical support for several major infrastructure contracts including Mersey Gateway Bridge and Thames Tideway. He is passionate about developing and adopting best practice including low-carbon concrete solutions and communicating the value of the product to users.
Steve Wharton has a 40-year track record in the industry having started his career in highway design before moving into technical management for the precast concrete industry with CEMEX, Aggregate Industries, Marley, and more recently Parex/Sika. He has provided technical support for high-profile construction projects all over the world, including Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as the UK.
Luke George is a skilled economist with eight years’ experience at leading macroeconomic and survey firm Consensus Economics. He has specialist knowledge of UK and European macroeconomic analysis and commodity markets and his expertise in data analysis, forecasting, and reporting will strengthen the MPA’s economic and policy work in producing insightful analyses of the UK economy and markets for the benefit of members and wider industry stakeholders.
Nigel Jackson, chief executive officer of the MPA, said: “I am delighted that we are able to bring such experienced new professionals to join our already stellar line-up of industry experts at the start of another critical year for the mineral products industry. Between them Gareth, Steve and Luke bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight that will complement and strengthen our existing team. On behalf of everyone at MPA, I wish them well in their new roles and look forward to working with them to deliver results for our members.”
