The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) is pleased to announce Helen Roth as its newly appointed Executive Director, following a comprehensive international search. Roth, a seasoned leader in the field of transport infrastructure, will assume the position on 1 January 2025, bringing with her an extensive background in organisational administration and infrastructure development. This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the ITA, as the association continues to play an instrumental role in addressing the rising demands on global tunnelling and underground infrastructure.
Roth’s expertise will be key in navigating the dynamic challenges facing the industry today. ITA President Arnold Dix expressed confidence in her capabilities, stating, “Helen’s leadership and experience qualities are precisely what the ITA needs to navigate the evolving growth and administration of our Association. Her proven ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and achieve results makes her the ideal steward for our activities and ambitions. We are thrilled to welcome her and excited to chart the way forward with her.”
A Norwegian national, Roth brings a unique blend of skills to the role, including fluency in English and German, alongside working knowledge of French and other languages. This linguistic proficiency, combined with her administrative acumen, positions her well to oversee the operations of the ITA’s Executive Council and the services of its central Secretariat. She will also work to ensure the interconnectedness of ITA’s federation of 80 member nations, committees, working groups, and its global partnerships, including its ongoing collaboration with the United Nations.
Roth expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am eager to embark on this new journey for me and the ITA. The tunnelling industry is at the forefront of solving some of the world’s most pressing infrastructure challenges, and I am honoured to lead an organisation that plays such an influential role in shaping a sustainable future for the world.”
Prior to her appointment at ITA, Roth spent eight years as CEO of VIA, a Norwegian national transportation infrastructure network dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation in the development of safe, smart, and sustainable road systems. Under her leadership, VIA became a significant player in shaping Norway’s transport infrastructure, particularly in areas where the country’s expertise in tunnel and bridge construction is globally recognised.
Her arrival at ITA coincides with an era of rapid global urbanisation and an increased focus on sustainable infrastructure solutions to meet the challenges posed by climate change, population displacement, and the aspirations set forth in the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The ITA, established in 1974, continues to support these efforts by providing a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among engineers, contractors, industry leaders, and public agencies. With its global reach and expertise, the ITA is well-positioned to address the infrastructure needs of the future, especially from an underground solutions perspective.
As Roth steps into her new role, she will guide the ITA through its next phase of growth, ensuring that it continues to serve as a global leader in the field of underground space and infrastructure development.