Justin Anderson
Data & Digital Managing Director - Connected Places Catapult
Justin Anderson is skilled at aligning and amplifying the data and digital ecosystem and accelerating adoption of innovative solutions to address system-level challenges. He is the former Global Head of Technology, Centre of Excellence at KPMG International, and was responsible for establishing the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence. Justin also played a key role in developing BSI PAS 212, a standard for data interoperability. Most recently, as Director of the Digital Twin Hub, he has led an Innovate UK Catapult Network initiative to establish a UK Data Sharing Infrastructure Hub.
Mete Coban MBE
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy - Mayor of London's Office
Graeme Craig
Director & Chief Executive - Places for London
Carolyn Dwyer
Non-Executive Director - Connected Places Catapult
Carolyn Dwyer has over 40 years’ experience in the development sector, including the planning, financing and delivery of major projects, placemaking and development of cultural strategies and programmes.
Carolyn’s role as Strategic Director of Development, Growth and Regeneration at the London Borough of Sutton saw her secure smart, sustainable connected development and infrastructure to support inclusive growth. Carolyn was formerly the Director of Built Environment for the City of London playing a vital role in maintaining the international competitiveness of the City, this included the development of buildings, public realm, transport, digital and infrastructure systems.
She is a member of the Office of Road and Rail Regulation’s Road Expert Panel and a Commissioner with the National Preparedness Commission. Carolyn holds a Degree in Civil Engineering, a Diploma in Transportation, a Diploma in Management, is a Chartered Member of Logistics and Transport, a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, a Fellow of the Institute of Couriers and a Member of the Institute of Directors.
Erika Lewis
CEO - Connected Places Catapult
Erika Lewis joined the Catapult from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in March 2024 as Chief Executive Officer.
In July 2023, Erika was appointed the CEO of the AI Safety Summit. This was a world first event and brought together international governments, leading AI companies, civil society groups and experts in research to consider the risks of AI, especially at the frontier of development, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action.
The Summit was the culmination of a busy 5 years in central government, Erika joined the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2018 to deliver the National Data Strategy. In October 2019, she moved to the role of Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity, where she led on the economic support for the cyber sector, the development of security approaches for consumer IoT, the government work on Secure Connected Places and Digital Identity in the economy. In 2020, she also led DCMS on the Covid-19 response package for the Voluntary Sector and in 2023, led the initial transition programme for the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Before moving into central government in 2012, Erika became a Project Director at the Competition and Markets Authority, where she was responsible for both merger and market investigations. Most notably, she ran an Energy Market Investigation and a Private Motor Insurance Market Investigation.
Erika was a part of the set-up team for the London Development Agency (LDA) in April 2000. Staying for 12 years at the LDA, she delivered regeneration programmes across London and was subsequently the Director of Strategy.
Andy Lord
Commissioner - Transport for London
Catherine McGuinness CBE
Non-Executive Director & IUK Nominated Director - Connected Places Catapult
Catherine brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked for decades across finance, law and public policy. She is the immediate past Chair of the City of London’s Policy & Resources Committee, where she served a five-year term from 2017 – 2022.
As Policy Chair she played a leading role in the City’s work with the financial and related professional services sector. She was deputy chair of The CityUK, and a member of the Professional & Business Services Council (where she still co-chairs the International Trade Group). As one of London’s leaders she was also an active participant in London Councils, sitting on the Leaders’ Committee and Executive Committee.
Catherine provides crucial insight having worked on initiatives that align with the Catapult’s innovation imperatives of levelling up and net zero. She has a track record of working on social mobility and education and has been chairing a government-commissioned taskforce aimed at boosting socio-economic diversity at senior levels in UK financial and professional services.
She has been closely involved in a number of green finance initiatives, was a director of the Green Finance Institute, and is a member of the UK Voluntary Carbon Markets Forum, the Distinguished Advisory Group of the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market, and the Scottish Taskforce for Green and Sustainable Financial Services.
A solicitor by training, she practised in financial services law for several years, and continues to chair the City of London LawTech Sounding Board.
Darran Messem
Non-Executive Director - Connected Places Catapult
Gareth Powell
Non-Executive Director - Connected Places Catapult
Sameer Savani
Transport Managing Director - Connected Places Catapult
Sameer Savani is MD of Transport at Connected Places Catapult, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and social value. With experience in Government and industry, he combines technical expertise, leadership, strategic vision, and commercial acumen.
As Vice President for the Global Technology Centre (GTC), a £32m joint investment between GKN Aerospace and the UK Government, he shaped strategy, structure, and culture, driving technological advancement and fostering a highly engaged team.
At the Aerospace and Defence Knowledge Transfer Network (A&D KTN), he launched the UK's first National Aerospace Technology Strategy, laying the groundwork for the Aerospace Technology Institute. Before GKN Aerospace, he was Head of Innovation and Engineering at ADS, influencing government policy and industrial strategy for the UK's aerospace, aviation, and defence industries. He also worked in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a major Defence and Security initiative and started his career as a UK MOD scientist with a master’s degree in Physics.
Dr Alison Vincent CBE
Non-Executive Director & Chair of Remuneration & Nominations Committee - Connected Places Catapult
Dr Alison Vincent is a Non Exec Director and Technical Advisor to multiple private and public companies. She has held senior technical positions in Cisco, HSBC, NDS, Micro Focus and IBM. Her roles span experience in Cybersecurity, Research and Development, Strategy Execution, Product Management and Business Development, with particular expertise in digital strategy, innovation and Mergers and Acquisitions. She is an Ambassador for Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) and is a passionate supporter of the STEM agenda in Schools.
Alison has a PhD in Cryptography from London University and a 1st Class honours BSc in Maths and Computer Science. She is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering & Technology, and a Fellow of the British Computer Society.
Lucy Yu
Non-Executive Director & Chair of the Projects, EDI & Sustainability Committee - Connected Places Catapult
Lucy Yu is CEO and founder at Centre for Net Zero, Octopus Energy Group’s not-for-profit AI and data-driven research institute advancing tech-driven energy systems that benefit humanity. Centre for Net Zero’s research has been accepted by leading global proceedings, including the What Works Climate Solutions Summit, a high level conference for evidence-based climate policy, and the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR), the world’s leading gathering of deep learning professionals.
Lucy has 20 years’ experience building and scaling global consumer-facing and deeptech ventures in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and future mobility, climate and clean energy, and developing tech policy and regulation for the UK government (Cabinet Office; Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles; Department for Transport), European Commission, and the UN.
She is a co-founder of the Institute for Ethical AI & Machine Learning, and Chairs ADViCE (AI for Decarbonisation Virtual Centre of Excellence), a DESNZ programme for the development of innovative artificial intelligence technologies that support the transition to net zero. Lucy has been named an Asian Tech Pioneer (2024), Top 5 Star in GreenTech (2021), and Financial Times Top 100 Leader in Tech (2019).
Alan Welby
Built Environment & Local Growth Managing Director - Connected Places Catapult
Alan Welby leads Connected Places Catapult’s Delivery teams in running a broad portfolio of innovation projects and programmes. He is overseeing the development of our product and asset strategy.
Alan’s career has focused on how innovation can transform cities and regions. He has worked in local and regional government, Higher Education, the private sector, and in the European Commission.
Before joining the Catapult, Alan was Director of Innovation at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, Director of Research, Innovation, and Partnerships at Liverpool John Moores University, Executive Director of the Liverpool City Region LEP, and Executive Director of Strategy at One North East, the North East Regional Development Agency.
Professor Greg Clark CBE
Chair - Connected Places Catapult
Greg Clark is Chair of Connected Places Catapult. He is a British and Irish writer, Board Chair, Non-Executive Director, and advisor on cities, mobility, built environment, and urban innovation. He is the author of 10 books and 100 reports on cities, mobility, real estate, climate, urban economies, investment, and place leadership, and has worked with 400 cities around the world.
In the UK. He is Chair of Connected Places Catapult (CPC), the UK’s national innovation accelerator for transport, cities, and place leadership, and Chair of the Cities Commission for Climate Investment (3Ci), which convenes local leaders and investors to find innovative means to capitalise a just urban transition. He is a Board Member of Transport for London (TfL). He chairs TfL’s Land and Property Committee, which oversees TfL’s property company, Places for London. He is a Senior Advisor to New London Architecture, and Hon Prof of cities and innovation at Strathclyde University. Greg is also chair of the UK Government’s Secure Connected Places Advisory Group. He was previously Lead Advisor, Cities & Regions, Office of Deputy Prime Minister (2004-2010), Executive Director, London Development Agency, Chief Executive of the London Enterprise Agency, Managing Director of Greater London Enterprise, and he teaches regularly at LSE and University College London. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS).
Globally. Greg is Hon Global Fellow at the Urban Land Institute (ULI). He is the former chair of the OECD LEED Forum of Cities and Regions (1996-2016) and former Global Fellow on cities at the Brookings Institution. He has advised the World Bank, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and the HSBC Group on cities, sustainability, and financial innovation. He is currently working with the Inter-American Development Bank on the future of the cities of the Amazon, where 47,000,000 people live. Greg has chaired more than 20 International Advisory Boards and Committees for Cities; including New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Mumbai, Vienna, Oslo, Barcelona, Turin, Toronto, Auckland, and Cape Town. He is a member of the WEF Global Future Council on Cities & Urbanisation, and a member of the Bloomberg NEF Council on Cities.
Anna Jordan
CEO - Alchera Technologies
Rob Quinn
CEO - MakeSense Technology
Kellie Beirne
Chief Executive - Cardiff Capital Region
Kellie Beirne is the Chief Executive of Cardiff Capital Region – the partnership of ten councils working to improve the lives of the 1.5m residents in South East Wales through transforming the economy, business landscape and innovation in the Region. Kellie joined CCR in 2018 from her role as Deputy Chief Executive at Monmouthshire County Council, where she gained a reputation for promoting the entrepreneurial state. Kellie is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, an Honorary Fellow of Cardiff University, a Governor at Cardiff Metropolitan University and sits on several innovation advisory boards including the Morgan Advanced Studies Institute at Swansea University, Cardiff University’s International Board and the Connected Places Catapult Advisory Group.
Andrew Carter
Chief Executive - Centre for Cities
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE
Mayor of Newham - Newham Council
Clare Wildfire
Global Cities Lead - Mott MacDonald
Clare is Global Cities Lead with global engineering, management and development consultancy, Mott MacDonald. Having led regeneration, low carbon and sustainable innovation projects across the world, she uses systemic thinking to push boundaries and, most importantly, improve people’s lives.
With 35 years’ experience in the sector, originally as a building services engineer specialising in sustainable buildings, Clare combines a practical understanding of construction and development drivers with deep policy engagement. She brings insight into the technical, political, financial and behavioural aspects of sustainable development, and into what enables healthy, resilient, low carbon living.
Clare also co created an industry led collaboration of infrastructure organisations supporting the UK’s transition to net zero. She authored the report “A place based approach to net zero”, which explores the challenges and opportunities facing city leaders in delivering a city scale transition.
Jan Ward CBE
Chair - Plymouth & South Devon Freeport
Gavin Winbanks
FDI expert and co-founder of the Office for Investment - White Hawk Green
Gavin Winbanks founded White Hawk Green, a strategic advisory firm in 2022, working with Governments, investors, and companies across the built environment. Gavin co-founded DBT’s Office for Investment for No.10 Downing Street in 2020. From 2016 Gavin was the Senior Civil Servant for DBT’s Capital Investment team attracting international investment into UK real estate and infrastructure projects. Prior to joining HMG, Gavin led Macquarie Group’s External Relations EMEA and was Chief of Staff for the regional CEO. He was previously a member of the Urban Land Institute’s UK Executive Committee.
Susan Ross
Deputy Director - Edge Innovation
Susan Ross is Deputy Director at Edge Innovation, with over 20 years’ experience in the VCSE sector, 10 years in local government, and a strong background in private enterprise. She works across transport, energy, regeneration and innovation, specialising in complex, multi stakeholder programmes that connect community insight with public sector priorities and emerging technologies.
She co founded the Derwent Valley Car Club and developed the award-winning Car Club in a Box model, recognised by the Department for Transport for its national impact on community mobility and insurance policy. Susan has delivered multiple Innovate UK programmes, including micromobility innovations, rural EV charge point deployment and the V2X Rural Energy Resilience Programme.
Her work with Connected Places Catapult spans rural mobility demonstrators, the Rural Transport Accelerator, wider place based innovation and Diversity Equity and Inclusion support.
She has supported new innovative Community energy research, alongside major regional initiatives such as the Tees Valley Innovation Challenge and other investment focused programmes.
Susan also brings hands on experience through several voluntary leadership roles, giving her a grounded understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by hyperlocal organisations.
Known for bridging community, public sector and commercial systems, Susan brings a people centred, practical and scalable approach to transport, energy and place innovation.
Paul Perera
Strategy & Technology Operations Director - Waygate Technologies
Helen Barden
Director - External Affairs - North Standard
Helen Barden is Director – External Affairs at NorthStandard, a leading global marine mutual headquartered in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Helen leads NorthStandard’s stakeholder and policy engagement on maritime decarbonisation, but is also involved with policy on sanctions/geopolitics and emerging technologies. Helen co-leads NorthStandard’s Navigating Decarbonisation expertise team, supporting its Members with their understanding of the regulatory landscape and to bridge the gap between policy (or the absence of such) and practical and contractual implementation.
Helen engages with a number of industry stakeholders to support shipping’s energy transition, including BIMCO, Comite Maritime International, Nuclear Energy Maritime Organisation, International Chamber of Shipping, UK Chamber of Shipping, Global Maritime Forum and the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub to name a few.
Helen is also a Board member of the UK’s Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA UK).
Geraint Evans
Chief Executive Officer - UK Major Port Group
Tristan Smith
Professor of Energy & Transport - University College London (UCL)
Alex Green
Senior Business Development Manager – New Energy - Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL Group)
David Surplus
Chief Executive Officer - B9 Energy
Mark Eldridge
Director of Hydrogen - Element Materials Technology
Huw Edwards
Director of Stations & Placemaking - HS2
Elspeth Finch MBE
Chief Executive and Founder - IAND
Ben Raybould
Digital Lead, New Hospital Programme - Turner and Townsend
Melissa Zanocco OBE
Director, Growth Mission Accelerator - UK Research and Innovation
Mohammad Shana'a
Chief Executive Office - Morta
Ibrahim Mohamed
Infrastructure Investment & Freeport / Investment Zones Advisor - Office for Investment
Dame Susan Rice DBE
Chair - Forth Green Freeport
With a career spanning medical research, leadership roles in higher education and then banking, Dame Susan chairs Forth Green Freeport, attracting investment for industrial regeneration in Scotland, delivering net zero and fair work. She also chairs GEFI (Global Ethical Finance Initiative) which sits at the hub of the ethical finance movement internationally.
The first woman to head a European clearing bank as Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland plc, she was inter alia senior independent director of both SSE plc and J Sainsbury's plc, chair of Scottish Water, director of Bank of England and lay member of Court at Edinburgh University. Currently a non-executive Member of the Office for Budget Responsibility, she was founding chair of Scotland's Fiscal Commission, the country’s official, independent economic and fiscal forecaster.
Focused on the creation of long-term value in business and enterprise, she helped develop numerous social finance and impact investing entities in the US and the UK and advised the UK’s Place-based Climate Action Network. A persistent voice on ethics in finance, she chaired the Financial Services Culture Board and with the Chartered Banker Institute led her industry to support the creation of professional standards for bankers for the first time anywhere.
Prof. Mark Tewdwr-Jones
Professor of Cities and Regions - UCL
Dr Wei Yang OBE
Chief Executive Officer - Digital Task Force for Planning
Dr Wei Yang OBE is an internationally renowned town planner and urban designer advocating a place-based, whole-systems approach to the grand challenges of our time. She is Co-Founder and CEO of the Digital Task Force for Planning—the world’s first innovation-led social enterprise pioneering systemic transformation of spatial planning in the digital era—and Founder and Chair of Wei Yang & Partners, an award-winning masterplanning firm specialising in 21st-century Garden Cities and contemporary societal challenges.
Wei promotes joined-up thinking across professions, having served as President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (2021) and Chair of the Construction Industry Council (2023–25). She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, a Board Member of the British Library and Chair of its Capital Portfolio Committee, and an Honorary Professor at UCL.
She has advised government as a member of the New Towns Taskforce (2024–25) and as an Expert Adviser for the London Plan Review (2023–24). She was awarded an OBE for her contribution to town planning in 2025.
Chris Coonick
UK/US Innovation Management Office Director - National Grid
Chris is National Grid’s UK/US Innovation Management Office Director. As part of this role Chris is responsible for driving the delivery of the Group Innovation Strategy, telling the story of how innovation outputs deliver impact for National Grid and our customers. Chris is a well-respected industry specialist with over 15 years’ experience in delivering and managing £multi-million research & innovation programmes and projects that pave the way to net zero. An active leader in the UK energy sector, Chris has been involved in national and international committees, developing future standards for an evolving technical landscape whilst heading up BRE’s National Solar Centre. Prior to joining the team at National Grid Chris set-up Ofgem’s £450m Strategic Innovation Fund and led a multi-disciplinary team for UKRI, the UK Government’s Research and Innovation agency.
Robert Harwood
Chief Executive Officer - Sim Analytica
Charlotte Hills
Head of Innovation - HS2
Rodney Berkeley CBE
Director of Infrastructure & Technology - Department for Business and Trade
Abanoub Ghobrial
Chief Executive Officer - Fidelis AI
Chris Hatter
Head of Compliance - Portsmouth International Port
Iwona Wilk
Programme Manager - Connected Places Catapult
Jack Wootton
Transformation Portfolio Manager - Serco
Jack is a transformation portfolio manager within Serco UK and Europe’s defence business unit. Operating across the engineering and asset management portfolio, he is responsible for managing the governance of a diverse array of projects, programmes, and sales opportunities. Jack is also leading on a number of innovation projects across the maritime, aviation, space, and technology domains. Beginning his career in 2019 as a graduate management trainee on Serco’s inaugural graduate scheme, he gained experience across contracts in health, transport and defence. He has been working within Serco’s defence business unit since 2021 and previously managed a decarbonisation programme on behalf of the maritime services contract. Jack graduated from the University of St Andrews with a degree in German and is an alumnus of Entrepreneurial Scotland’s ‘Saltire Scholars’ programme. In addition to his other commitments, Jack is currently the chair of the New Professionals Forum, a special interest group run by ADS that aims to support colleagues in the early stages of their careers across the aerospace, defence and security sectors.
Robert Bateman
Manager - Vehicle Research & Advanced Engineering - Nissan Technical Centre Europe
John Murphy
Head of Accessibility, Accessible & Inclusive Trave - Department for Transport (DfT)
Emma Partlow
Chief Executive Officer - National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat)
Emma Partlow is a leading voice in accessible travel and transport. She brings industry expertise, policy insight and lived experience to help remove barriers and make transport fairer for disabled people.
As Chief Executive of the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat), her leadership reflects the organisation’s mission to connect evidence, lived experience and innovation to equip decision-makers to improve accessibility. Through an evidence-led, people-first approach, she shapes industry practice and delivers national and international improvements.
Her research and professional contributions have been recognised through several prestigious awards. She was a Queen’s Baton Bearer in 2022 and named on the 2024 Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list of the UK’s most influential disabled people, in the Transport, Retail, Service and Hospitality category. In 2025, she was also named Global Accessibility and Inclusion Leader of the Year.
Emma brings a personal and professional commitment to championing accessible transport that delivers real impact and lasting change.
Sophie Randall
Innovation Lead, Mobility & Cities - Innovate UK (IUK)
Robin Spinks
Head of Inclusive Design - RNIB
Amrit Chandan
CEO - Lorefully
Georgina Cruttenden
Consultant - Connected Places Catapult
Rebecca Goulding
Head of Enterprise Support (Transport) - Connected Places Catapult
Rue McIlmoyle
Skills Lead - National Shipbuilding Office
Helen Davis
Director Strategy & Business Development, Rail Infrastructure - Siemens Mobility Limited
Graham Goswell
Rail Systems Operations Director - Worldline
Jenny Kavanagh
CEO and Founder - Green Skies Consulting
James Wright
HSE Leader - Port of Tyne
James Wright is an experienced health, safety, and environment professional with 17 years of service within the Port industry. Having held a range of Environmental and Health & Safety roles, James is now the HSE Leader, driving strategic improvements in safety culture, sustainability performance, and regulatory compliance.
James is also the project manager for the Port’s Tyne 2050 initiatives, overseeing major programmes aimed at achieving Net Zero by 2030. His work includes developing the Port’s Climate Transition Plan, Climate Adaptation Plan, Energy Demand Strategy, and Renewable Energy Generation Strategy.
A key member of the Port’s Innovation Team, James helps shape forward looking projects focused on Green Shipping, future fuels, and emerging clean technologies. James is passionate about creating resilient, future ready port operations and championing sustainable transformation across the maritime sector.
Michael Boxwell
Founder & Corporate Development Officer - Voltempo
Claire Charlton
Head of Open Innovation - Wincanton (now part of GXO)
Joining GXO in 2025 through the acquisition of Wincanton, Claire leads a structured Open Innovation Programme, responsible for identifying, testing, and scaling emerging technologies. Their mature labs programme provides testbeds for start-ups to develop and commercialise their products. Claire has also been involved in the Freight Innovation Fund, providing mentorship and testbeds for three cohorts, as well as supporting challenge design workshops. With 27 years’ experience in logistics, Claire’s expertise spans transport, operations, business development, digital products, and solution design. She holds an MSc in Supply Chain Management, with a thesis on AI in logistics, and is currently studying an MSc in Systems Thinking. Additionally, she serves as a trustee at the Mental Health Hospital Museum in Bristol.
Cato Davies
CEO - Ensemble Analytics
Cato Davies is the cofounder and CEO of Ensemble Analytics. Cato leads the UX design and client onboarding. Cato has previously developed climate modelling software for optimised greenhouse locations across the UK and US and is a lecturer in the Energy and AI Lab at UCL.
David Elvy
Deputy Head Multi Modal Freight Policy - Department for Transport
Danielle Gawler
Project Manager - DFDS Seaways PLC
Jamie Sands
Head of Solutions - Welch Group
Ian Tomlin
CEO - Newton Day
Ian C. Tomlin is the CEO of Newton Day Ltd, a UK consultancy specialising in digital transition and strategic transformation. With more than 30 years’ experience, he has led major digital reform programmes across government, transport, and global corporates. A recognised expert in AI adoption, data engineering, and organisational design, he is also the author of nine business books.
SAMSON YU
Founder - DX Unit Limited
Experienced supply chain and digital transformation leader with 20 years in the IT industry. Led cloud-native transformation and automation across logistics and e-commerce. On a mission to transform logistics with AI.
Neil Young
Freeport Skills & Workforce Development Manager - Tees Valley Combined Authority
Graham Faiz
Head of Digital Energy - DNV
Graham heads the Digital Energy practice in DNV’s Energy Systems UK & Ireland operation, leading a team of 20+ people. He is a Chartered Engineer; and a Fellow of the BCS – the Chartered Institute for IT – with over 20 years’ experience. He is responsible for the leadership of flagship industry digitalization projects, holding project manager, director & project sponsor roles.
Mark Enzer
Fellow - Mott MacDonald
George Johnston
Head of AI Living Lab - Cambridge Institute of Sustainable Leadership
George Johnston is Head of AI Living Lab at the Cambridge Institute of Sustainable Leadership. He is UK-based business angel with a strong focus on impact-driven entrepreneurship and sustainability. He has invested early-stage in notable startups such as Bolt, what3words, and Grind, primarily within the technology and sustainability sectors. With extensive experience in founding companies, raising venture capital, and advising regional leaders, he offers valuable insights and connections to founders seeking to grow their ventures in exponential technology ecosystems. He now works within frontier AI roles in both University and industry environments.
Dr Scott Steedman
Director-General, Standards - BSI Group
Dr Scott Steedman joined the Group in January 2012 and was appointed to the Board in October 2012. An engineer by profession, he started his career as a Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Cambridge before moving to industry where he spent over 20 years as a consultant working in the built environment sector. He was a Non-Executive Board Member of the Port of London Authority from 2009 to 2015 and served as Vice-President (Policy) for the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) from 2013 to 2017 and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) from 2017 to 2021.
Kjell Kolstad
Strategic Partnerships - RUNWITHIT Synthetics
Kjell is leading RUNWITHIT Synthetics’ Strategic Partnership programme, focused on helping governments and industry navigate complex infrastructure and transport decisions. This work brings together modelling and simulation, digital twins, synthetic populations, and multi-domain collaboration, to make long-term impacts visible, comparable, and actionable for decision-makers. Kjell brings more than 25 years of experience across transportation, smart cities, AI, geospatial technologies, and intelligent infrastructure.
Matt Mason
Head of Innovation and Skills, Urban - The Crown Estate
Sarah Windrum
Head of Cluster Development - HORIBA MIRA
Kit Allwinter
Senior Travel Inspector - Active Travel England
Arnold Du Toit
Founder and CEO - WeSprint
Arnold is a founder, CEO, and angel investor with 17+ years’ experience building and scaling ventures across mobility and digital innovation. He leads WeSprint and co‑founded WeFoundry, while advising the Connected Places Catapult Freight Innovation Cluster. An active investor in companies such as Ensemble Analytics and Fanvue, he supports founders on strategy, product readiness, and market growth.
Jonathon Hoskin
Business Development Manager - Ampetronic
Jonathon Hoskin is the Business Development Manager at Ampetronic, specialising in assistive listening technologies and accessibility solutions for transportation, public spaces, and complex communication environments. With a background in customer focused technical integration, Jonathon works closely with partners and end users to deliver high performance, inclusive audio systems that meet both regulatory and real world needs.
Jeff Endean
Director - Cast
Jeremy Allen
Head of Rail Delivery - Connected Places Catapult
Kirsty Gouck
Consultant - Connected Places Catapult
Jonathan Kelly
Senior Innovation & Accelerator Manager - HS2
Eric Ritchie
Head of Business Improvement & Innovation - EKFB
Vaibhav Tyagi
Head of Rail Engagement - Connected Places Catapult
Ross Welham
Lead Digital Research & Innovation Manager - LNER
Harry Yates
CEO & Founder - BuildPrompt
Harry Yates is the Founder and CEO of BuildPrompt, an AI-powered data intelligence platform built for complex, regulated industries. He helps infrastructure and construction organisations turn fragmented, unstructured project data into clear, auditable and decision-ready intelligence.
Harry founded BuildPrompt on the belief that most major programmes do not lack data, they struggle to use it effectively. Across large infrastructure projects, critical information sits across multiple systems and file types, from PDFs and drawings to contracts and technical standards, yet decisions still depend on manual searching and interpretation. BuildPrompt was created to change that.
The company has developed its proprietary “PromptStack” architecture, configurable, multi-step AI workflows that transform complex manual processes into consistent, auditable outputs for compliance checking, requirement extraction, contract comparison and digital handover preparation. The platform is built with traceability, governance and accountability at its core, enabling responsible AI deployment in regulated environments.
Alongside global real estate and construction programmes, Harry and his team have worked closely with HS2 Ltd and the HS2 supply chain, including EKFB, applying AI to live programme challenges. From improving document visibility to strengthening compliance workflows, these collaborations demonstrate how AI can be embedded as true operational capability within nationally significant infrastructure delivery.
Sarah Crawley
Director and Co-founder - SymTerra
Stuart Leslie
Director, Local Authority Advisory and Lending - National Wealth Fund
Since joining the National Wealth Fund (then the UK Infrastructure Bank) at the start of 2023, Stuart has worked with Local Authorities throughout the UK to support the design, development and financing of their decarbonisation ambitions. Alongside providing commercial and financial advice to Local Authorities, he has led the provision of a £190m loan to the Greater London Authority's Green Finance Fund and stewarded the set-up of NWF's Strategic Partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority. He previously spent 15 years at Lloyds Bank, where he was a Relationship Director responsible for a portfolio of large corporate UK FTSE and international clients. From 2018-2025 he was an Exec Board member at St Nicks, an award-winning environmental charity, with 5 of those years as Chair. Stuart lives in York with his wife and two young boys.
Hadeel Saadoon
Digital Construction Technical Lead - Connected Places Catapult
Hadeel Saadoon is a Fellow of CIAT and is the Digital Construction Technical Lead for Connected Places Catapult, specialising in Building Information Management, Digital Twins, SMART Estates and technology enabled transformation across public sector portfolios. With deep expertise in ISO 19650, digital delivery and data driven sustainability, she supports CPC’s mission to accelerate smarter, digitally-enabled, greener places. She gained extensive experience in the UK and globally working in the construction industry, consultancy, and FM and through active participation in multiple industry groups including CIAT, Women in BIM, BIM4Estates and Nima. Her PhD research in Sustainability and Technology strengthens this work by exploring how Digital Twins and Behavioural Change drive decarbonisation across the built environment.
Victoria Lawson
Chief Executive - London Borough of Islington
Marianne Betts
Chief Executive Officer - Civiteq
Marianne is a commercially driven executive with over 20 years of experience leading large-scale transformation and growth across education, health and public services.
Anna Cartwright
Deputy Director – Cyber Strategy and Legislation - Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Davin Crowley-Sweet
Chief Data Officer - National Highways
Louise Donaghey
Group Head of Engines - International Airlines Group
Sophie Eynon
Project Manager - Electric Vehicles - Places for London
Prof. David Flynn
Professor in Cyber Physical Systems - University of Glasgow
Caroline Haas
Head of sustainable finance advisory - Natwest
Mark Masterson
Chief Executive Officer - Ito World
Mark Masterson is CEO of Ito World, a global leader in transit data management, supporting millions of passengers around the world across public transport networks. Ito's transit data solutions enhance passenger experience and optimize operations. Ito’s products (Elevate, Notify and Discover) support agencies, operators and mobility providers with accurate, real-time and high quality insights. A former Google executive, Mark has led turnarounds, driven product-led growth, and delivered successful exits for venture- and private equity-backed companies.
Mike Pittman
Head of Transport research and innovation board - Department for Transport
Priya Ramdas
Head of Consumer Policy Reform - Department for Business and Trade
Catriona Riddell
Director - Catriona Riddell & Associates
Prof. Clive Roberts
Executive Dean, Faculty of Science - Durham University
Eve Roodhouse
Director of Strategy and Policy - Local Government Association
Shweta Saxena
Founder & CEO - AI Gizmo
Miranda Sharp
Founder - Metis Digital
Miranda Sharp works with people to solve data problems and focuses on creating and capturing sustainable value from the sharing of data.
She is part of the DfT College of Experts, the Mayor of London’s Infrastructure Advisory Panel, a trustee to the Centre for Cities think tank and advises clients on financially resilient and well governed ways of sharing data. Miranda has also acted as a NED at TRL (the Transport Research Laboratory), secondee to DSIT on the value of data policy, and worked with the National Digital Twin programme, Ordnance Survey and Royal Mail on data as infrastructure.
Outside work, Miranda likes to believe she is an improving hockey player, her fourth sport after swimming, water polo and rugby (in that order). She maintains a position in the Amersham and Chalfont ladies’ 7th team, just, by functioning as head of operations for the club.
Sam Thornton
Chief Operating Officer - Bridewell
Sam is Bridewell's Chief Operating Officer (COO) and is responsible for enhancing its global reputation for security services while also strengthening client relationships, ensuring exceptional support, and contributing to the board’s strategic direction.
Sam brings 20 years of experience in cyber security, including 12 years in consulting, and has a strong track record in managing large-scale, complex strategic engagements. Having held roles such as Head of Security, Lead Information Risk Manager, and Account Security Manager, Sam also brings expertise across stakeholder management, information assurance, and risk advisory.
Katherine Williamson
Chief Data Officer - Department for Transport
Valentina Gentili
Battery Innovation Programme Director - Innovate UK (IUK)
Dr Valentina Gentili is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience in lithium-ion battery innovation and automotive R&D. In June 2025 she was announced as the new Battery Innovation Programme Director at Innovate UK. Prior to this she was Vice President of Global R&D at Agratas and led international teams across the UK and India, advancing next-generation energy storage solutions and aligning technology strategy with commercial goals
She previously held senior roles at Jaguar Land Rover, driving battery technology development and strategic collaborations, and at Johnson Matthey, where she led electrochemical R&D and supported global OEMs in pioneering battery innovation. Valentina actively contributes to the UK’s energy strategy through advisory roles with the Faraday Institution, Faraday Battery Challenge and Automotive Council.
She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of St Andrews and an MBA from LUISS Business School.
Chris Patnoe
Head of Accessibility - Google
Fiona Tuck
Director - Metro Dynamics
Fiona is a Director at Metro Dynamics, where she leads the Sectors, Clusters and Innovation team.
With over 20 years’ experience in economic development consultancy, she specialises in helping regions and institutions build stronger, more connected innovation ecosystems.
Her work focuses on aligning industrial and innovation strengths with local opportunities, bringing together business, academia, and government to translate evidence into strategy and investment.
She has led high-impact projects across the UK and Ireland, from national sector strategies to place-based innovation frameworks, and advises the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of its Regional Innovation Expert Group.
She is particularly interested in how clusters and collaboration drive growth and in creating environments where ideas, people and places can thrive together.
Dr Adrian Johnston MBE
Innovation Commissioner - Innovation City Belfast
Laura Shoaf
Chair, Shadow Great British Railways - Department for Transport
Prof Patricia Thornley
Chief Scientific Advisor - Department for Transport (DfT)
Patricia Thornley is the Chief Scientific Adviser for the UK Government’s Department for Transport and Professor at the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute at Aston University, from where she leads a national doctoral training centre in negative emission technologies. A fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, with 30 years’ experience in industry and academia, she has led £38M UKRI research projects with particular focus on sustainable fuels for electricity, heat and transport sectors and has had advisory roles for DfT, DESNZ, Defra, CCC, the Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society, as well as many overseas funding agencies
Jame Tichler
Head of Futures and Emerging Technologies - Department for Transport
Graham Williamson
Applied Data Science & Strategy Director - Connected Places Catapult
Natasha Good
Partner - Freshfields
Natasha is an M&A and corporate partner based in London, focusing on technology, media and telecoms (TMT). She specialises in cross border mergers and acquisitions, carve outs and structuring and provides strategic advice to boards of FTSE companies on governance, disclosure and listing rules generally. She is a relationship partner for key clients of the firm.
Natasha is the firm's Tech M&A lead. She was seconded to Ofcom the UK communications regulator at the start of her career. Natasha has 25 years' experience in structuring and implementing cross-border deals, bolt-on acquisitions and investments in growth tech businesses combined with an understanding of operational, compliance and risk issues in the communications and tech sectors.
Natasha works globally, with activity spanning the UK and other parts of Europe, US, Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Chris Jones
Data and Digital Products Director - Connected Places Catapult
Asher Lawrence-Cole
AI Delivery and Public Sector Engagement - Department for Transport
Ali Nicholl
Data and Digital Strategic Engagement Director - Connected Places Catapult
Antti Suikkanen
Head of Business Development, International Business/eMobility - Lahti Region Development LADEC Ldt.
I have over 20 years of experience in business development and leadership across manufacturing and technology sectors. I specialize in helping companies scale internationally through clear strategies, strong partner networks, and hands‑on execution.
I have led multicultural teams and growth initiatives across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, working closely with both established companies and emerging innovators.
Currently, I serve as Head of the eMobility Cluster at Lahti Region and Head of Business Development for international markets. My focus areas include electrification of mobility, the green transition, and the development of low‑carbon products and services.
I am particularly driven by building ecosystems that connect industry, technology, and public stakeholders to accelerate sustainable growth and global market entry.
Richard Bearman
Chief Development Officer - British Business Bank
Richard Bearman is Chief Development Officer at the British
Business Bank, leading its first central hub for business development and relationship management across delivery partners and fund managers. He supports the Bank’s Investment and Banking businesses and continues to strengthen its access-to-finance ecosystem across the UK’s Nations and regions, creating a simpler route for partners to engage. Previously Co-Chief Banking Officer and Managing Director, Small Business Lending, he oversaw the Start Up Loans programme, recognised by Forbes. With over 25 years’ banking experience, Richard is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses nationwide.
Amy Li
Senior Vice President - Early Stage Banking, ClimateTech - HSBC
Karim Palant
Director of External Affairs - UK Private Capital
Karim Palant is Director of External Affairs at UK Private Capital, where he leads the Public Affairs, Communications and Research functions.
Karim and his colleagues tell the story of private capital through high-impact engagement with policymakers, stakeholders and the media.
Karim also oversees UK Private Capital’s agenda-setting research programme, which includes the Performance Measurement Survey - the largest primary research survey of its kind in the UK, and the annual Report on Investment Activity.
He has two decades of experience in tech and economic policy. From 2015, he led public policy and economic impact work at major tech firms - at LinkedIn and previously Facebook. Earlier in his career, he served as Head of Policy to the Shadow Chancellor.
Karim studied PPE at the University of Oxford, following his education at Calderstones Comprehensive School in Liverpool.
Jo Birch
Managing Director - GROWTHINNK Associates
Jo Birch is a visionary innovation strategist and executive coach, leading GROWTHINNK Associates, her consultancy dedicated to advancing innovation practice through strategic deployment, cultural transformation, and ecosystem development. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Jo is known for her ability to translate complexity into clarity and drive meaningful change across sectors.
At the forefront of smart city transformation, Jo serves as Chief Innovation Officer at Woodbourne Group, where she is shaping the future of Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter, creating a dynamic hub for research, enterprise and urban innovation for life sciences, med tech and digital sectors. Her work here includes advising on the use of Digital Twins to model infrastructure, mobility and community development, enabling more intelligent, inclusive and resilient urban planning.
Jo also advises Kier Transport, supporting their mission to embed innovation across operations. Her recent work includes exploring Digital Twin applications in road surfacing and drainage systems to address surface water challenges.
In 2024, Jo was honoured with the Women in Tech Special Recognition Award and named Female Innovator of the Year, celebrating her pioneering work at the intersection of technology, creativity and leadership. She was the founding force behind STEAMhouse, Birmingham City University’s collaborative innovation centre and continues to champion human-centred innovation through her roles as Chair of the AI Special Interest Group, board member of Tech WM, and Chair of Createch Frontiers.
A qualified Design Thinking practitioner, trained facilitator and certified coach, Jo brings deep expertise in building innovation capacity, from bespoke support for SMEs to strategic partnerships with global tech players. Her leadership is grounded in global insight and a commitment to shaping policy, practice and culture across the UK’s innovation landscape.
Emma Frost
Chair - UK Innovation Districts Group
Dimple Patel
Chief Executive Officer - NatureMetrics
Geoffrey McCormick
Head of Planning and Urbanism - Connected Places Catapult
Geoff spent over 20 years in design and innovation working with Governments, global brands and start-ups by applying a human centred approach to innovation and operations. His experience has been gained by working with some of the world’s leading product designers and innovators on projects spanning concept cars, place-based innovation, consumer technologies, innovation policy and more. The impact of his work can be seen in almost every market in the world as mobile devices, car interiors, investment policies, train interiors, as oil refinery simulation tools and in programmes to allow MOD to access open innovation communities.
Vasant Chari
Regional and Local Growth Director - Connected Places Catapult
Prabs Johal
Head of Regional Delivery - Connected Places Catapult
Christopher Burr
Senior Researcher in Trustworthy Systems - The Alan Turing Institute
Dr Christopher Burr is a Senior Researcher in Trustworthy Systems. He specialises in the trustworthy and ethical design, development, and deployment of AI, including agentic systems and digital twins. He is also interested in exploring and understanding how data-driven technologies affect our decision-making and social institutions (e.g. factors that undermine trust in algorithmic systems).
He leads the Trustworthy and Ethical Assurance platform – an innovative, open-source tool designed to facilitate the process of creating, managing and sharing assurance cases for data-driven technologies, such as digital twins or AI. This project has been featured multiple times in national guidance from the UK Government.
Dr Burr is also the project lead for the Turing Commons – a platform, community, and repository of resources that are designed to build skills and capabilities across all areas of society (e.g. digital and data literacy). This project is a strategic skills initiative for the Alan Turing Institute, and seeks to build openly accessible resources to improve awareness and understanding of the ethical and societal issues surrounding artificial intelligence.
He is co-lead for a work package on assurance of cardiovascular digital twins, as part of the EPSRC Networks of Cardiovascular Digital Twins (CVDNet) project, and is also the lead of the Uncertainty and Trust special interest group (UKRI DTNet+).
Paul Ford
Chief Development Officer - Zest
Elena Williams
Director of International & Trade - Connected Places Catapult
Marc Rozendal
CEO - EIT Urban Mobility
Marc Rozendal, Chief Executive Officer at EIT Urban Mobility, is an experienced international senior business leader with expertise in the mobility and transport sectors. Rozendal has built several high-performing teams and delivered on strategic objectives in his previous roles, for startups and corporate enterprises alike.
Rozendal’s career has centred on business transformation, technological innovation, and sustainability. Most recently, he served as the Managing Director for the United Kingdom-based ride-hailing scale-up, Ola, and as CEO of Cab Guru, a transport technology startup. Prior to these roles, he was Netherlands-based, where he held several senior positions in influential public transport companies, including Transdev Nederland and Transdev’s Connexxion.
Always on the quest for knowledge, Rozendal holds three bachelor’s degrees. He began his academic career with a Business Management degree from the HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht before receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration, Management, Economics and Law degree from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. He rounded out his studies with a Bachelor in Engineering, Business Administration and Management from the Aeres University of Applied Sciences Dronten.
Rozendal has extensive experience in both board and executive level roles and brings nearly 20 years of industry expertise to his position of CEO for EIT Urban Mobility.
Jonathan Saks
Chief Economist - NISTA
Kristen Tapping
Co-founder & Director - GOROLLOE
Vanessa Ambler
Director - We Care 4 Air
Sam Evans
CEO & Co-founder - Aeroflow
Etienne Louvet
Founder & CEO - IONA
Richard Moody
Programme Director - Network Rail
Jamie Hillier
Partner - Akerlof
Stefan Kneip
VP Head of Infrastructure EMEA - Siemens Advanta
Stefan Kneip leads the Infrastructure Business of Siemens Advanta across EMEA, driving digital and sustainability transformation for critical infrastructure sectors. With a focus on advisory, solution development, and technology implementation, he supports clients in Healthcare, Cities & Districts, Commercial Real Estate, and Ports & Airports on their unique journeys toward digitalization and resilience. Stefan is passionate about shaping future-ready infrastructure through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that deliver measurable impact and long-term value.
Melissa Tallack
Stream co-lead - Northumbrian Water Group
During her 30 plus years in the water sector, Melissa has undertaken a wide range of roles including in operations, scientific, engineering, asset management, change and data and technology resulting in a broad and deep understanding of the sector. This knowledge is proving very helpful now as she turns her attention to the ways in which data can be exploited to achieve better outcomes. She is currently co-leading the very exciting and award-winning Stream initiative alongside Andrew Myers at Northumbrian Water, which is focussed on unlocking water data to realise value for customers, society and the environment. She was recently named in the 2025 Open UK Honours list for her contributions to open data in the UK
Keith Waller
Director of Industrialised Construction - High Value Manufacturing Catapult
Craig Bower
Digital Infrastructure Consultant - Oxfordshire County Council
Tina Cleland
Principal Account Lead - Information Management - Mott MacDonald
Lee Edmonds-Ward
Chief of Staff - Sizewell C
Krithika Ramesh
Head of Built Environment and Urbanism - Connected Places Catapult
Nathan Hurdsfield
Head of Innovation - Department for Transport
Jennifer Stanley
Business Development and Strategic Partnerships - Amazon Web Services
AWS UK Public Sector, specialising in transport technology across roads, rail, and maritime. She previously led public policy for transport at Amazon UK and served at the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Department for Transport —working across energy market reform, autonomous vehicles, roads connectivity and freight planning with public and private sector transport organisations. A chartered project manager with deep expertise in navigating complex public sector environments, she drives digital transformation by bringing cloud and AI solutions to the UK's transport network.
Oliver Coppard
Mayor - South Yorkshire
Jon Loveday
Director for Infrastructure, Enterprise & Growth - NISTA
Callum Alder
Founder & CEO - AIM Group
With over a decade in engineering and structural monitoring, Callum saw a persistent industry gap: huge volumes of sensor data are collected, but rarely turned into reliable decisions. After graduating from Imperial College London, he founded AIM to help asset owners truly understand how their structures are behaving, using data they already have. At heart, he’s an engineer who loves maths and solving real-world problems. Come say hi if you’re already monitoring assets and want clearer, actionable answers.
Kath Fuller
Chief Operating Officer - TechWM
Emily Robson
Assistant Chief Executive - Knowledge Quarter Liverpool
Emily is the Assistant Chief Executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool), a 450-acre, world-leading innovation district.
She plays a pivotal role in unifying University, NHS, and private sector partners to drive inclusive economic growth across the Liverpool City Region.
Working alongside CEO Colin Sinclair, Emily oversees the strategic and operational delivery of the district’s ambitious 2040 Vision. Her work focuses on regeneration and innovation policy, ensuring Liverpool remains a global competitor in the knowledge economy.
A dedicated advocate for inclusive innovation, Emily sits on the Future Impact Board and serves as a co-opted member of the Liverpool City Region Business and Enterprise Board. She is passionate about ensuring that the region's growth is equitable and that diverse voices are represented in high-level decision-making.
Hussam Sultan
Head ESG Solutions - Santander UK
Wendy Whewell
Head Sustainable Solutions & Finance, Corporate & Commercial Banking - Santander UK
Aleksandar Bogdanov
Sustainability Lead - Milton Keynes City Council
Kevin Dixie
Co-founder - Buyerdock
Kevin is the Co‑Founder of Buyerdock, a digital platform, with a patent supporting EU recycling regulations, that enables over 1,000 brands to present their data directly to consumers through more than 500 million GS1‑powered QR codes. Working closely with industry, the platform meets all current EU requirements for delivering the Digital Product Passport. Kevin has over 30 years of experience in sales across both SMEs and corporates. He has built, helped launch, and invested in multiple brands, and has founded several tech start‑ups. In his spare time, Kevin is a registered mudlarker and can often be found along the Thames in London.
Polly Harrold
Senior Public Affairs Manager - Sustainability - Santander UK
Dr Fiona Hutchison
Head of Research - Diffley Partnership
Fiona joined The Diffley Partnership as Head of Research in February 2021. Her wide-ranging experience managing mixed-method research and innovation projects has developed through a career with non-departmental public bodies and research institutes, supporting the work of SMEs and charities. Fiona spearheads Diffley Partnership’s deliberative research service, convening and researching mini-publics.
Previously for Interface, Fiona worked closely with Scotland’s Enterprise Agencies to foster innovation across our tourism sector. Funded by ESRC, her PhD had a place-based focus on performance management of civic cultural services in formal partnership with Exeter City Council.
At Diffley Partnership she directs and supervises high-profile research projects to inform decision makers on diverse policy areas across the UK. These include delivering actionable findings on infrastructure planning, transport delivery, health and social care improvements and support for growth sectors in the economy.
In addition to her paid employment, she enjoys volunteering. For over 5 years she served on the board of an Edinburgh-based social innovation charity. She was selected to join Young Academy of Scotland’s 2020 cohort. Being active on the Social Research Association’s editorial board has kept her up to date on innovations in social research methods and practice.
Chris Chambers
Deputy Director, Government Digital Service - Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Experienced leader of major technology and data transformation programmes in both the public and private sectors - stimulating innovation, increasing revenues, reducing costs and delivering economic growth.
SRO for both BAU activities and change programmes, leading virtual teams in a matrix structure of up to 900 people in a variety of roles (e.g. surveyors, software developers, legal and licensing experts, policy development, account / product managers). These teams are often across multiple locations and numerous organisations, including 3rd party suppliers.
James Harris
Senior Policy Advisor - NISTA
Timothy Mangozza
Transport expert - PA Consulting
Timothy is a transport expert at PA Consulting specialising in innovation and transformation across the transport and infrastructure sectors. He helps organisations unlock greater value from complex investments through systems thinking, benefits led decision making and portfolio optimisation. He has delivered major innovation initiatives for organisations including Network Rail, HS2, National Highways, the Department for Transport and Transport for London driving efficiencies through automation, robotics and strategic technology adoption.
Danielle Stephens
Founder and CEO - Recycle-labs
Andy Emmonds
Chief Transport Analyst - Transport for London
Reda Kechouri
Director for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence - Trainline
Andrew Leadbetter
Chief Technology Officer - Manchester Airport’s Group
Nathan Watt
Director of Transport - TransHumanity
Nathan is leading the Transport business for TransHumanity. TransHumanity's vision is to empower faster, smarter human decisions by transforming data into accessible intelligence using large language model based agentic AI.
James Hill
Group Product & Services Director - Manchester Airport’s Group
Iain Mansell
Head of Regional Engagement - Connected Places Catapult
Elaine Scott
Director of Innovation - Port of Tyne
David Gregory
Head of Smart Spaces and Local Government UKI - NVIDIA
Deepak Shukla
Head of AI and Data - AWS UK Public Sector
Deepak leads AI and Data capabilities for the UK public sector at AWS, advising C-suite and senior leadership on how to define and execute strategic roadmaps for artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation. His mission is to empower public sector enterprises to move beyond viewing AI as a standalone technology project, positioning it instead as the core engine for unlocking new value, achieving operational dominance, and accelerating the UK government’s most critical missions.
Robert Franklin
Chief Operating Officer - Trackbase
Peter Ainsworth
Chief Executive Officer - Monirail
Moria Bennett
Founder & Chief Executive Officer - KIGO
Daniel Hobbs
Head of Integrated Transport Delivery - Connected Places Catapult
Daniel Hobbs creates improved urban mobility through a targeted application of technology
Through end to end project involvement from concept, economic and financial business case, design, procurement, integration and commissioning, he has successfully delivered technology projects in large urban centres across the UK.
Daniel provides consultancy across the range of strategy, planning, change, design, specification, procurement and commissioning required to deliver Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and Smart Cities.
Ian Brown
Chief Investment Officer - National Wealth Fund
Savina Chergarova
Roads and Policy - AWS
Michael Laski
Head of Aviation - Connected Places Catapult
Hugh Taylor
Director, Strategy - British Business Bank
Taran Loibl
Project Manager - DFDS
Liam Bouges
Policy & Advocacy Lead (Freight) - Network Rail
Richard Goodman
Director General, Rail Reform & Strategy - Department for Transport
Richard Goodman was appointed as the Director General for Rail Reform and Strategy in the Department for Transport (DfT) on 11 March 2025.
Richard was the Director General for Buildings and Resilience at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) from November 2020 to March 2025.
Richard previously led the government’s work to support London through COVID-19.
Richard joined HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) in 2015, where he was strategy and change director, to lead the £1.2 billion reform programme to make it more accessible and easier to run.
In 2011 Richard joined the UK Border Agency as director of international operations. After a spell in the Middle East he became policy director at the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Richard began his career in international travel.
Hannah Murphy
Consultant Freight Innovation Fund - Connected Places Catapult
