Rogers favourite to become Strategic Forum chairman

The race for the chairmanship of the Strategic Forum could be over after it emerged that Peter Rogers, Stanhope's operations director, will take up the position currently held by Sir John Egan.

Although the move has still to be confirmed by Forum members, the final vote is expected to be made at next Wednesday's final drafting session of the follow up to Rethinking Construction, - 'Accelerating Change'  - which will be Egan's final meeing before his departure.

According to an industry source, the Forum's preferred choice of Struan Robertson, Wates' chief executive, was vetoed by Construction Confederation president John Gains, who heads up the 'people issue' working group.

"Gains wasn't pleased with the choice of Robertson, although most of the Forum was happy to approach him," added the source.

"Rogers is seen an appropriate choice as he has a lot of experience to bring to the new Forum in September. I know he wants to take up the gauntlet and the majority is behind the proposal."