David Malcolm Orr

Who is David Malcolm Orr?

David Orr CBE, FREng, FICE, FIAE, is a civil engineer. He was the 143rd President of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He is married to Vyvienne and they have 2 children.

David Orr graduated from Queen's University Belfast in 1974 with an honours degree in civil engineering, and was awarded an MSc by Queens in 1978. He spent much of his career with Roads Service, Northern Ireland’s road authority, but has latterly served as Permanent Secretary of the Department for Regional Development and previously as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Finance and Personnel.

He currently chairs the Procurement Expert Panel for London's Crossrail, is an external member of the Palace of Westminster Restoration and Renewal Programme Board and is also Chair of the Disciplinary Board of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

In his Presidential Address, Orr encouraged civil engineers to:

stand up for civil engineering - delivering public works of real value;

stand up for professionalism - there to protect the public;

stand up for excellence in procurement - the key to project success; and

stand up for civil engineers - unsung heroes no more.