BRE brings in former Mace leader as innovation director

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has appointed Eloise Francis as director of innovation.

Francis (pictured) joins BRE with a diverse background of work in the construction and property sector. She brings extensive board experience to her new role, having held senior positions at Capita, Mace, Royal Mail and Legal & General.

Her most recent job was as head of operational risk at Legal & General. At Mace, Francis was head of health and safety for almost two years, after holding a similar role at Capita.

In her new post, she will be responsible for driving innovation, research and technical excellence at BRE.

Francis said: “I am looking forward to playing a leading role in demonstrating how BRE can contribute to what is a crucial time for many areas of construction and the built environment.”

BRE Trust chairman Phil Wilbraham added: “Innovative solutions in the built environment have never been more crucial, with the many external pressures facing developers and consumers today and with pace towards transitioning to net-zero [carbon emissions] quickening. With Eloise on the team, I am confident that our responsible leadership on a range of issues will be strengthened even further.”

Former Heathrow Airport director Wilbraham was appointed to the chair of the BRE Trust in May last year.

BRE chief executive Gillian Charlesworth previously told Construction News that she hoped the construction sector would refocus its aims on improving safety and decarbonisation, as it recovers from the pandemic.