Rob Oliver awarded MBE

2 January 2023

Rob Oliver, who retired as the chief executive of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) in 2021, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s first New Year’s honours list.

He receives the honour in recognition of his services to the construction equipment manufacturing sector. 

During his time with the CEA, Rob Oliver helped develop and deliver the CESAR plant marking and registration scheme, and its extension to cover on-site emissions compliance verification (ECV). 

In recognition of his work with the police to combat plant theft, he has also given his name to a special annual award to police forces that have shown a special commitment to anti-theft campaigning. He also put together the organisation for the first Plantworx construction machinery exhibition in 2013. 

He remains active in the industry as an executive director of Construction Equipment Events Ltd (CEE) which will be delivering the fifth Plantworx event from 13 to 15 June at the East of England Arena & Events Centre (Peterborough).

In response to news of his award, Rob Oliver said: “It has been a privilege to work with both paid officials and volunteers for the CEA on the various projects we undertook over the years – and great credit should go to them. In my career, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with senior people in a number of industries which has given me a ringside seat to the workings of British and international business.”

His wife, Joanna, also received recognition for her international trade work with the construction equipment sector. She was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s birthday honours list in 2011.