LONDON, June 24 /PRNewswire/ --

- Professor Li Shirong Becomes CIOB's First Woman President - Announcement Signals CIOB's Intentions to Strengthen Global Reach and Influence

In its 175th anniversary year, the Chartered Institute of Building is making a significant break with tradition with the appointment of its first woman president.

Professor Li Shirong, from Chongqing in western China is also the CIOB's first president from outside the UK and Ireland. The CIOB celebrates its 20th anniversary working in China this year.

A pioneer in construction management in her home country, Li Shirong's work spans academia, industry and government and reflects her strong belief in the need for sustainable urbanisation. She is currently Professor of Construction Management of Chongqing University, deputy director of Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission, a member of various advisory groups to the Chongqing government and the author of 26 books published in both China and abroad.

Li Shirong's first degree is in civil engineering, she holds an MSc in construction management and a PhD in construction economics and management from the University of Reading in the UK.

As well as being an illustrious industry figure in her own right, Li Shirong also stands for CIOB's growing international status and our desire to further strengthen ties and exchange of information with China and the rest of the world. We're delighted she is taking up the presidency and look forward to a fruitful, exciting year, says Keith Pickavance, outgoing CIOB president.

A member of the CIOB since its early connections with China and regarded as a major factor in its growth there, Li Shirong is keen to use her term to ensure that international communications remain high on the agenda. As the world becomes smaller, it's easier to share experience about how to make the best use of our resources. But the world is still challenging - we need communication and collaboration internationally, particularly during the current economic crisis, she says.

Li Shirong is also aware of the implications of this appointment. The post isn't really about me, it's about changes in China. This couldn't have happened 30 years ago. Through the open door policy and reform, we changed to be able to compete in international society. It's an historic achievement.

Notes to Editors

The Chartered Institute of Building

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.

Our Mission

To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.

Our 7 Guiding Principles:

- Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development. - Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere. - Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide. - Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency. - Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science - Being socially responsible and working responsibly - Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.

We have over 40,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.

PRESS INFORMATION Saul Townsend CIOB +44(0)1344-630766 stownsend@ciob.org.uk Michelle Anker The Whiteoaks Consultancy +44(0)1252-727313 michellea@whiteoaks.co.uk

Saul Townsend, CIOB, +44(0)1344-630766, stownsend@ciob.org.uk; Michelle Anker, The Whiteoaks Consultancy, +44(0)1252-727313, michellea@whiteoaks.co.uk