Europe's largest engineers' body has appointed five industry experts to head up new sector-focused, global communities of engineers.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is prioritising five key sectors: Built environment; energy; design and production; information and communications; and transport.

The sectors provide a focal point for engineers and technicians from all disciplines to find relevant communities, events and information.

IET head of sectors and communities Steve Perry said: "The work of engineers and technicians has never been more important, and it's vital that the IET supports the good work that they do.

"The modern challenges require us, far more than ever, as engineers and technicians, to work more collaboratively together, and across sectors, disciplines and continents.

"These changes mean that we'll be helping engineers and technicians enhance their careers, as well as working together to address the engineering and technology challenges of the 21st century."

Cameron Steel has been appointed chair of the built environment sector. He is Director of BK Design Associates, a building services design consultancy, where he works on healthcare, data centres and government-related projects.

He said: "Finding innovative technologies and engineering strategies to control our daily use of energy is central to our success as a society. Minimising waste saves resources for future generations.

"The built environment sector of the IET is looking to provide an interactive forum for all professional and technical disciplines to inform industry, academia, politicians and the general public of the practical measures needed to be more sustainable in the use of our buildings and the environment in which we all live, work and play."

Dr Phillip Cartwright has been appointed chair of the energy sector. He is a director of the Laing O'Rourke, Engineering Excellence Group.

He said: "The often conflicting challenges to achieve greater sustainability, security of supply and affordability in energy provision are driving an upsurge of innovation and investment in energy infrastructure, making this a time of huge challenge and opportunity for the profession.

"The IET's established reputation in power engineering and close collaboration with partner institutions, businesses and academia, will allow it to provide technical excellence in its publications, events and professional and policy support to meet the needs of this vibrant sector."

Morgan David has been appointed chair of the design and production sector. He is divisional director, research and development with Sony Europe.

Professor Will Stewart has been appointed chair of the information and communications sector. He is also chair of the IET Communications Policy Panel.

Peter Sheppard has been appointed chair of the transport sector. He is system safety engineer with Bombardier Transportation.