Last Friday (9th May) marked the end of an extraordinary era at the CEA, as Joanna Oliver MBE completed her final day with the Association after 30 years of service.
Joanna has been at the heart of the CEA’s work for three decades – shaping its export programme, helping launch events like PlantWorx and Futureworx, and building long-standing relationships across government and industry. Known for her deep knowledge of international trade, sharp political instincts and ability to get things done, Joanna has been a constant behind-the-scenes force, supporting members of all sizes and speaking up for the sector where it mattered most.
She joined the CEA in the mid-1990s and quickly became the go-to person for all things export. Under her leadership, the CEA delivered hundreds of successful trade missions and UK Pavilions at exhibitions including Bauma, Conexpo, BICES and M&T Expo. Joanna opened doors in markets from Chile to China and Mongolia to São Paulo, helping UK firms break into new territories. She often secured funding for smaller companies that wouldn’t have had the chance to attend without support – many of which went on to build long-term export success.
Alongside her international work, Joanna was part of the original PlantWorx project team and played a key role in launching the event. More recently, she helped establish Futureworx, putting innovation and sustainability at the forefront of industry conversations. Her extensive network across government, industry, embassies and export bodies has been vital to the CEA’s influence – particularly in shaping policy and securing funding.
She was awarded an MBE in 2011 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the construction equipment sector and international trade – recognition for a career spent championing UK manufacturing on the global stage.
Although her time at the CEA has come to a close, Joanna isn’t stepping away from the sector. She continues to work with AMPS, and will remain involved in PlantWorx 2025. She also plans to use her experience to support businesses through consultancy work.
Paul Ross, Chair of the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), 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!”
Viki Bell, Chief Executive of the Construction Equipment Association (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.”
