Watts, who succeeds Erith Contractor's Tony Darsey, will hold the chair for two years.
 
Watts is currently managing director of asbestos consultancy Blues Consultants, which he formed in 2001. He began his asbestos career in 1983 and since then has held various senior management roles within the UK asbestos removal industry.  
 
He has sat on the ARCA Governing Council for eight years.
 
Watts said: "The next few years are set to be as challenging for the asbestos industry as the last few years have. We have a very dynamic Governing Council and we intend to continue to address industry issues and raise standards within the sector.  Having been associated with ARCA for over 20 years, it will be a great honour to be the Chairman of such a pro-active, professional association."