During his tenure, Leslie led the HQ team and served a role in recruiting Hooper. 

Leslie has been working on succession planning for the last nine months to lay the foundations for Hooper to step up from deputy chief executive. To enable this, Leslie moved to part-time in February this year, with the intention of stepping down at the APS AGM on 9 September 2026. 

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.”

Hooper has worked alongside Leslie for more than 12 months, and brings a background in policy, strategy development, stakeholder engagement and building safety reform, as well as a strong understanding of the organisation, its members and its strategic objectives.

Since joining APS as the deputy chief executive officer, Hooper has played a crucial role in progressing the association’s strategic priorities, leading on policy, outreach and cross-sector initiatives. 

In the new role, Hooper will spearhead the delivery of APS’s strategic vision, supporting members across the built environment sector while continuing to boost the association’s influence in policy, standards and professional practice within the UK.

APS president Mark Snelling said: “She [Hooper] has already made a significant contribution to APS, helping to drive our strategic direction and strengthen relationships across industry, Government, and the wider professional community. 

“Her leadership, vision and understanding of the challenges facing the sector will be invaluable as APS continues to develop services, standards, and support for members during a period of profound change in building safety and construction regulation.”

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.”

Hooper added: “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.”