APS Appoints Sofie Hooper as CEO

The Association for Project Safety (APS) has appointed Sofie Hooper as Chief Executive Officer.

Replacing Andrew Leslie who she worked alongside for over a year, Sofie’s appointment marks an important milestone in the association’s continued commitment to supporting members, advancing competence and championing excellence.

New CEO

Sofie brings extensive experience in policy, strategy development, stakeholder engagement and building safety reform, alongside a deep understanding of the organisation, its members and its strategic objectives.

Since joining APS as Deputy CEO, Sofie has helped to drive the association’s priorities, leading on policy, outreach and cross sector initiatives focused on organisational management of competence. She has strengthened APS’s position as a trusted voice on building safety, competence and professional standards.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for both APS and the wider construction sector as the industry continues to adapt to regulatory requirements and expectations of competence, capability and building safety management.

Sofie Hooper said: “The construction and building safety landscape is evolving rapidly, creating both challenges and opportunities. APS plays a vital role to play in helping individuals and organisations navigate these changes, develop competence, and deliver safer outcomes for the people who design, build, manage and occupy our buildings. I am excited about the future of APS and look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place to ensure the association continues to lead, innovate and grow.”

Retirement

Predecessor, Andrew Leslie delivered messaging and advice to members in the post Grenfell aftermath in relation to the Building Safety Act, Building Regulation across the UK and competence schemes.

Andrew moved to part-time in February 2026, with the intention of stepping down in September into retirement.

Professor Sam Allwinke, Independent Chair of the APS Board, said: “I would like to thank Andrew for his major contributions to the profession and discipline of safety and his achievements in raising the profile and position of APS and his leading work in standard setting in the various regulatory jurisdictions. Going forward APS will build upon his legacy and wish him a healthy and long retirement.”

>> Read about more new appointments in the news