Cabinet Office lead succeeds Nick Baveystock, who is leaving after 11 years.
Dr Janet Young has been named as the new director general and secretary of the ICE, starting in the New Year.
She will take over from Nick Baveystock, who is leaving the institution after 11 years in the role.
Dr Young joins the ICE from the Cabinet Office, where she is head of the Government Property Profession, covering property and construction.
ICE President Keith Howells said: "[Dr Young] brings exactly the skills we need as the institution, and the wider profession, wrestles with the challenges of net zero, the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the practical issues that our industry faces on a day-to-day basis."
Dr Janet Young's background
Dr Young’s previous roles include global director of estates for the British Council, director of estates for the Ministry of Justice, and head of asset management in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
A Major Projects Leadership Academy graduate of the Saïd Business School, Dr Young is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Her PhD thesis at UCL, Towards Zero Energy Buildings, looked at the challenges and solutions for low carbon and energy developments.
"I join at a time when engineers and infrastructure professionals are making a real impact in shaping a better world," said Dr Young.
"The challenges are huge. The potential prize immense."
