Katharine Kelly has taken the helm as President of the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE), becoming the 28th individual to assume the position in the IHE’s 59-year history and only the second female president elected during this period.

Katharine joined the Institute in April 2017 as a Member before progressing to Fellow in 2018 when she achieved her CEng professional registration. Shortly afterwards in 2019, Katharine joined IHE Council and was elected onto the Senior Officer Team as Junior Vice President in February 2022.

Hailing from Durham, Katharine pursued her studies at The University of Edinburgh, earning a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering with Construction Management in 2003. Initiating her career in the bridges department of JMP Consultants, she later joined the highways team at Halcrow Group Ltd. During her tenure there, she spent 18 months in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), contributing to the infrastructure design of Yas Island, a purpose-built island hosting the Formula 1 racing circuit and other major developments. Her expertise was further extended while being the lead designer for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

In 2020, Katharine joined Transport Scotland, where she worked in both the procurement and the major projects teams, as well as managing the development of TS graduates. Two years later, she returned to the private sector and joined her current employer, Arcadis. Katharine brings a wealth of experience to her position, derived from her diverse and extensive professional background.

Having previously served as both Junior and Senior Vice President, Katharine has extensive knowledge of IHE’s management and its vision for the future.

When asked about her role as President, Katharine commented, “I am honoured to lead the IHE and look forward to driving our mission forward with passion and dedication.”