The Road Emulsion Association, a trade association which represents UK bitumen emulsion manufacturing businesses, has announced a new Chair, and welcomed new council members.
Mark Stott, director, Bituchem, will take over from Sommerville Wright following his retirement after 40 years of service in industry.
Mark, said: “I joined the REA Council in December 2020. It’s great to be able to make a genuine contribution to the wellbeing of our member organisations and collaborate with other like-minded associations in making a real change for the good.
“In my two-and-a-half-year tenure as Chair, I hope to see the fruition of our Future-Proofing our Local Roads initiative – an increase in the use of surface dressing resulting in fewer potholes on our local networks.”
Mark will remain in post until March 2027.
Sommerville Wright, associate director, Colas joined the REA council in 2020. He became Chair in March 2024.
He added: “I am proud to have been a member of the REA council for the last four years. And this year, it was a real honour to take over as Chair. Organisations like the REA are a vital part of our industry – representing businesses, championing best practice and continuously striving for excellence.
“I am pleased to be handing over to Mark Stott who I know will steer the REA in the right direction for the next few years.”
David Jobling Purser, director, Jobling-Purser, has stepped up as Vice-Chair and will take over as Chair in 2028 – the REA’s centenary year.
He said: “Jobling Purser has a longstanding and proud relationship with the REA, and it’s a tremendous honour to prepare for taking on this role as we approach such a significant milestone.
Lee Draper, head of bituminous emulsions, Colas, has rejoined the council representing Colas while Bernard Hodgkinson has joined the council to represent Kier Highways Solutions.
Notes to editors
The Road Emulsion Association represents all UK bitumen emulsion manufacturers. Established in 1928, the REA aims to influence policy, share best practice and keep members updated with recent academic research.
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