James Wates CBE
Biography
James has worked in construction his entire life. He read estate management at college and joined Wates construction in 1983.
He joined the Wates Construction Board in 1994 and was appointed to the Wates Group Board in 1997. He became Chairman in 2013.
Through his numerous roles he has championed change in the sector with the ultimate goal of creating a higher quality built environment, stronger communities and a better society.
He has encouraged:
- investment in skills development
- greater collaboration
- the application of modern methods of construction
He was awarded the CBE for services to construction and the charitable sector in 2012.