UK business association for consulting engineers appoints a new CEO.
The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) in the UK has announced the appointment of Milda Manomaityte as its new chief executive officer, with effect from 2 March 2026.
Manomaityte will succeed current CEO Kate Jennings, who will step down from the role on 5 March 2026, following two years as the organisation’s leader. Jennings has led ACE through a period of change, strengthening the organisation’s internal team and enhancing its political engagement and profile. During her tenure, she also oversaw the development of ACE’s three-year strategy, providing a clear and ambitious direction for the organisation’s future.
Kate Jennings said: “It has been a pleasure to lead ACE Group through such an important period. Our members are key strategic partners for government and infrastructure clients. Their advice and insight are essential to delivering the UK’s infrastructure and industrial strategies. ACE Group has grown in strength with a new leadership team who will continue to work with Milda on delivering for members and championing infrastructure. I wish Milda every success in this important role.”
To ensure continuity and a smooth transition for ACE members and stakeholders, Manomaityte and Jennings will continue to work closely together over the coming weeks.
Commenting on her appointment, Milda Manomaityte said: “I am delighted to be joining ACE Group at such an important moment for the sector. I look forward to delivering the three-year business plan, while building on ACE’s strong foundations to ensure it continues to be a trusted, influential voice for the future of infrastructure.”
Manomaityte joins ACE with extensive experience in trade association leadership, policy engagement and organisational transformation. She has spent the past seven years at the UK Railway Industry Association (RIA), holding a number of senior roles across the organisation, including innovation director and, most recently, chief operating officer.
In both positions, she led major programmes focused on innovation adoption, digital transformation, member engagement and operational resilience, while also playing a central role in strengthening RIA’s influence with government and industry partners.
Prior to RIA, Manomaityte was a founding director of the Global AirRail Alliance, a membership organisation representing rail access to airports. This role helped shape her early career at the intersection of transport policy, infrastructure planning and collaborative industry leadership.
ACE said that her appointment marks a gear change for ACE Group, “combining continuity with an exciting, forward-looking approach. Building on a strong existing platform and working closely with the leadership team, Manomaityte will put members at the centre of delivery, driving the agreed strategy and maximising impact across an evolving political, economic and infrastructure landscape,” the association said.
