Sir John Armitt CBE, Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and former Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), has been honoured as the first recipient of the Royal Academy of Engineering's Major Projects Award.
As the engineer responsible for delivering the London 2012 Games infrastructure, he has delivered the massive project on time and to budget while under intense scrutiny from the rest of the world.
The project has consistently met targets throughout the building phase and set new benchmarks for sustainable construction and technical expertise, thanks to Sir John's leadership in coordinating the work of hundreds of professionals to create new London landmarks. He was pivotal in all aspects of the Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure project, including: finance, engineering, environment, management and external relations, as well as acting as an ambassador for the project in explaining its complexities to the public.
Congratulating Sir John on his award Professor David Delpy, EPSRC's Chief Executive, said: "On behalf of EPSRC's Council, Executive and staff, I'd like to congratulate Sir John on this landmark achievement. The Games and their legacy of world class facilities for the athletes of the future will be a fitting tribute to Sir John and the spirit of 2012."
Nominating Sir John for the award, Professor Peter Guthrie OBE, Head of the Centre for Sustainable Development and Professor for Sustainable Development at the University of Cambridge, said: "Sir John Armitt is as close as it gets to a complete civil engineer today whose achievements and reputation are on the scale of the great Victorian engineers. He has embraced the opportunity to deliver one of the most prestigious, visible and successful engineering projects in the last 50 years."
Ray O'Rourke KBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of Laing O'Rourke, said: "The success of the London 2012 project hinged on Sir John's deft leadership and understanding of the delivery requirements for this strategic project. He demonstrated great care in managing the politics surrounding the project and the many stakeholders who had an interest in it."
Professor Robert Mair CBE, Sir Kirby Laing Professor of Civil Engineering, Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Cambridge, said: "Sir John has been outstanding in leading the construction of the complex infrastructure for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The project will have a major impact on society and it has been the focus of considerable attention around the world. Sir John has delivered this huge project on time and within budget, overcoming the many engineering and construction challenges."
Sir John was previously Chair of EPSRC between 2007-2012, was Chief Executive of Network Rail and Railtrack and has extensive experience in the building, civil engineering and industrial construction markets.
HRH The Princess Royal presented Sir John with his award at The Royal Academy's annual awards ceremony at London's Royal Opera House.
Notes for editors
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
1. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK's main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. EPSRC invests around £800 million a year in research and postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone's health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK. www.epsrc.ac.uk
2. Founded in 1976, The Royal Academy of Engineering promotes the engineering and technological welfare of the country. Our fellowship - comprising the UK's most eminent engineers - provides the leadership and expertise for our activities, which focus on the relationships between engineering, technology, and the quality of life. As a national academy, we provide independent and impartial advice to Government; work to secure the next generation of engineers; and provide a voice for Britain's engineering community.
3. Sir John Armitt was appointed Chairman of the ODA in 2007 and has previously been Chief Executive of Network Rail, Railtrack, Union Railways, the company responsible for the development of the high speed Channel Tunnel Rail Link and Costain. He joined John Laing as a graduate civil engineer and spent 27 years working on major construction projects, rising to Chairman of Laing International and Civil Engineering Divisions. He is now a Non-Executive Director of the Berkeley Group and an Advisory Board member of PWC.
For more information please contact:
EPSRC Press Office on 01793 444404 or pressoffice@epsrc.ac.uk
Sarah Griffiths at The Royal Academy of Engineering
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