Phil Layton takes up his role as CECE President

• Phil Layton from JCB and CEA becomes CECE President for 2026 and 2027.

• He brings over 30 years of experience in engineering and leadership within the construction equipment sector.

• His presidency will prioritize decarbonisation, supporting global trade, and ensuring competitive regulations in Europe.

• CECE under his leadership will engage with the European Commission on key legislative initiatives.

• The CECE Congress 2026 in London will be a major event during his mandate, gathering industry and policy leaders.

As of 1^st January 2026, Phil Layton of JCB and CEA is the new President of CECE. He is taking over this leadership role for 2026 and 2027.

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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.

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 – 29 October, and is expected to bring together industry leaders, policymakers and international partners to discuss the future of the sector.