Phil Layton takes up his role as CECE President

Phil Layton, representing CECE’s UK National Association – the CEA, is Technical Service Director at JCB, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment. With more than three decades of experience in engineering, manufacturing and international markets, he brings strong technical expertise and a clear strategic focus to his new role. During his career at JCB, Phil has held senior leadership positions across advanced engineering, electrics and controls, project management and global engineering operations, including three years based in India.

Phil Layton, CECE President for term 2026-2027
© CECE

As CECE President, Phil will focus on advancing the sector’s contribution to decarbonisation, supporting global trade and ensuring a competitive regulatory framework for construction equipment manufacturers across Europe. A key priority of his presidency will be to define measurable objectives and deliver tangible progress over the two-year mandate.

“The European construction equipment industry needs clear, workable rules and a strong global outlook,” CECE President Phil Layton said. “CECE has a vital role to play in supporting decarbonisation, open markets and innovation, while providing policymakers with practical, industry-driven solutions.”

Among CECE’s main policy goals under Phil Layton’s leadership is to actively support the European Commission in moving forward with two long-awaited initiatives: the publication of secondary legislation on the road circulation of construction machinery and the guidance document for the implementation of the Machinery Regulation. While these publications do not depend solely on CECE, the association will intensify its engagement with EU institutions to facilitate their release.

An important milestone of Phil’s presidency will be the CECE Congress 2026, which will take place in London from 27 to 29 October, and is expected to bring together industry leaders, policymakers and international partners to discuss the future of the sector.

New CECE President Phil Layton visits Brussels

In January, CECE already had the pleasure of welcoming its new President, Phil Layton, to Brussels. Marking the beginning of his presidency, the visit provided and important opportunity for exchange with the CECE Brussels team.

© CECE

During his stay, Phil Layton gained detailed insights into CECE's ongoing work and current priorities. These meetings offered the opportunity to connect directly with the team and discuss joint objectives and challenges for the coming years.

Among the topics discussed was the CECE Congress scheduled for 27 to 29 October 2026, which will take place in London, UK. Preparations for this key event are underway, and CECE is very much looking forward to working closely with its new President and CEA in shaping the Congress.

In addition to internal meetings, Phil Layton together with CECE Secretary General Riccardo Viaggi held a meeting with Carole Bachmann, Secretary General the European Rental Association, ERA.

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