Arup’s Dervilla Mitchell has been awared an honorary CBE. During her career so far she has been the Arup lead for Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 (2000 to 2006), the largest construction project in Europe at the time, structural team leader for the technically complex and high profile Portcullis House project in Westminster and led the Arup team on the concept for the Athletes’ Village in Stratford. Read our interview here.

One time Bernard Matthews managing director and chair of aviation consultancy ACL Jeff Halliwell is to be the new chair of Passenger Focus. He starts the job at the watchdog in February taking over from Colin Foxall.  Subject to parliamentary approval, Passenger Focus will be taking on a new role next year representing the interests of users of the strategic road network.

Turner & Townsend head of infrastructure Murray Rowden is to be the new chairman of Constructing Excellence. He takes over from Ian Reeves.

Melanie Dawes has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary for the Department for Communities and Local Government replacing Sir Bob Kerslake who retires at the end of February. Dawes is currently the head of the Economic and Domestic Secretariat in the Cabinet Office.

HS2 Ltd has appointed former Lend Lease procurement and supply chain chief Nigel McKay as its new head of construction procurement. First contracts will be let this year.

New Balfour Beatty chief executive Leo Quinn who started this month is set to earn what could be as much as a £10.5M share bonus if he delivers results.

Arup deputy chairman Tristram Carfrae picks up his Gold Medal from the Institution of Structural Engineers on 19 February. Find out more here: ‪http://bit.ly/1IwhIk6