New head appointed for Society of Operations Engineers

The Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) has announced that Peter Walsh has been named as the organisation’s next Chief Executive.

Walsh is to be responsible for leading the membership organisation in promoting the advancement of engineering and supporting engineering professionals. He brings to the role experience that spans a broad spectrum of engineering and a keen interest in professional development.

A Chartered Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist, Walsh is presently employed as a Senior Project Manager for GBM Minerals Engineering Consultants Ltd. He will join SOE at the beginning of July before taking on his new role in August.

Current SOE Chief Executive Nick Jones, who retires this summer, says: “SOE is pleased to welcome Peter as a valuable addition to the organisation. I am confident that he will use his wealth of experience and passion for professional development to the great benefit of the Society and its members.”

Walsh is a fellow of SOE and its Professional Sector IPlantE, and has extensive experience in facilities management, power generation and mineral processing industries. He also holds qualifications in business administration and law, being admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2008. No stranger to membership organisations, Walsh has served as Honorary Secretary and Honorary Chair on the management committee of the UK Chapter of Engineers Australia.

On accepting the position, Walsh says: “I am very proud to call myself an engineer, and am passionate about the recognition of engineering as a profession. I look forward to engaging with SOE members to increase their participation in the Society’s activities, and make membership of the institution as relevant for engineers as possible. I want to see the Society of Operations Engineers thrive and grow as a professional engineering institution as we enter this next phase of our life, and I am very pleased to be able to help drive this growth.”