CEA welcomes Phil Battle to the board
Phil Battle of SMT GB to take on the portfolio of ESG and environmental sustainability
THE Construction Equipment Association (CEA) has announced the appointment of Phil Battle, divisional director Volvo CE – Product & Services at SMT GB, to its board. He was unanimously elected by the board, strengthening dealer and distributor representation within the Association.
Mr Battle will take on the portfolio of ESG and environmental sustainability, reflecting his professional expertise and commitment to supporting the sector’s transition to a low-carbon future.
He brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the construction equipment industry, with a strong track record of growth, transformation, and sustainability. At SMT GB, he leads a national team across nine customer support centres and is responsible for all commercial sales and service operations throughout Great Britain for Volvo CE products and services.
His career has also included senior leadership positions at SMT GB and Finning, in both the UK and Canada, where he managed high-value operations and built strategic partnerships.
Alongside his industry career, Mr Battle is pursuing an MBA in Innovation, Enterprise & Circular Economy at the University of Bradford. He also serves as chair of the Independent Remuneration Panel for North Yorkshire County Council.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Battle said: ‘I am delighted to be joining the CEA board and to have the opportunity to work more closely with the Association and its members. The CEA has made significant progress in recent years – becoming more engaged, relevant, and ambitious in its support of the industry.
‘I’m particularly pleased to take on the ESG and sustainability portfolio, which is such a critical focus for our sector’s future. I look forward to contributing my experience from the dealer and distributor side, and to helping the CEA continue this positive momentum.’
CEA chief executive Viki Bell added: ‘We are very pleased to welcome Phil to the CEA board. His appointment brings an important dealer and distributor perspective, and his enthusiasm for the work we are doing as an Association is hugely encouraging.
‘Phil has already been vocal in his recognition of the progress the CEA has made in recent years, and his insight on sustainability and transformation will add real strength to the board as we continue to grow and evolve.’
