News

Joanna Oliver MBE steps down after 30 years with the CEA

Joanna has played a central role in the CEA’s activities over the last three decades – shaping the export programme, contributing to the launch of events including PlantWorx and Futureworx, and working with government and industry stakeholders. Recognised for her knowledge of international trade and policy, she has supported members across the sector and represented UK manufacturers around the world.

She joined the CEA in the mid-1990s and became a key contact for export-related matters. During her time with the Association, Joanna helped deliver numerous trade missions and UK Pavilions at international exhibitions, including Bauma, Conexpo, BICES and M&T Expo. She helped open new markets and secured funding support for smaller exporters entering new territories.

She was also part of the original PlantWorx project team and, more recently, helped launch Futureworx. Her network across government departments, embassies, export bodies and industry organisations has contributed to the CEA’s wider influence and ability to support its members.

Joanna was awarded an MBE in 2011 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the construction equipment sector and international trade.

Although she has stepped down from her role at the CEA, Joanna continues to work with AMPS and will be involved in PlantWorx 2025. She also plans to provide consultancy support to businesses using her experience in trade and policy.

Paul Ross, Chair of the CEA, said “Joanna has been a fundamental part of the CEA for over 30 years and has been involved throughout the Association’s transformation during that time. Her many overseas travels have been extraordinary, and she has consistently represented the CEA at exhibitions, trade shows and trade missions across the world. She is known throughout the industry and has left a real legacy. It’s my pleasure to wish her well on behalf of the CEA – but more importantly, as a friend who shares many memories from over the years. Thank you, Joanna!”

Vikki Bell, Chief Executive of the CEA, said “Joanna has played a huge part in the CEA’s story and has helped me enormously as I’ve transitioned into my role as CEO. Following the recent announcement that AMPS (The Association of Manufacturers of Power generating Systems) is adopting the CESAR scheme for their members, I’m delighted that I’ll still get to work with Joanna on this important initiative. Joanna will also continue to support PlantWorx 2025, which will provide an opportunity for our members to wish her farewell.

“Her portfolio of work will continue within the core CEA team. Trade is very much at the forefront of our minds currently, and we will continue to support our members in navigating this area. At the recent Bauma show, Joanna was pivotal in introducing me to colleagues from both the Bauma team and BICES. I’m happy to report that work is already underway for Bauma 2028, led by Beth, our Head of Marketing and Engagement, and we are also exploring opportunities for ConExpo 2026. Joanna’s political portfolio will now be handled by myself and the CEA Board, so her legacy will not be lost. I want to wish Joanna all the very best for whatever comes next and thank her for her dedication to the CEA and our members over the past three decades.”

Joanna Oliver said “To borrow a line from a country song: ‘Don’t blink—30 years go by faster than you think.’ That couldn’t be more true of my time with the CEA. When I joined back in 1995, I was entirely new to both construction equipment and running UK Pavilions. Looking back, I’m struck by how much I’ve learned—not just about organising events, but about people, resilience and embracing challenges head-on. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve loved nearly every minute of it.

I’ll still be involved with PlantWorx 2025 and continuing my work with AMPS, the power generation association which shares many familiar faces with the CEA. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends at PlantWorx—you haven’t seen the last of this opinionated Yorkshire woman with a Prosecco habit just yet!

To my friends across this remarkable industry—especially those who’ve travelled the world with me to some of the more ‘interesting’ corners of the globe—thank you. The memories we’ve made, the challenges we’ve faced, the whisky we’ve drunk and the laughs we’ve shared mean more to me than I can say. Here’s to more adventures and more memories. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

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