Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) has announced Catherine Whitfield and Caroline Hildreth have been elected as Chair and Vice Chair respectively.
The appointments became necessary after Stuart Scott stepped down as Chair of the association for transport technology following two and a half years in the role.
Both are long-serving board members, Ms Whitfield as Vice Chair and Ms Hildreth as Finance Director.
Ms Whitfield is ITS Project Director for Mott MacDonald and has 25 years’ experience in the intelligent transport sector.
“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to take up the role of Chair of ITS UK,” she says. “It means a great deal to have the trust and support of the industry I value so much. Over the past 30 years, this organisation has built a strong and meaningful legacy, and I’m excited to build on those foundations as we look to the future.
“My focus will be on working alongside the board and ITS UK team as we continue to evolve, adapt and remain a vital force for the next generation.”
Ms Hildreth is a Principal (Transport) at IT services company Netcompany and is a member of Women in Transport.
She says: “The transport sector is at a crossroads. We can either shape the future of mobility or watch others do it for us.
“As Vice Chair, I’m excited to work alongside our Chair, Catherine, and our membership to ensure ITS UK leads that conversation.
“I want to use my experience, drive and passion for the transport sector and ITS UK’s membership to build an organisation that genuinely advances intelligent transport systems across the UK.”
ITS UK, which calls itself the “voice of the transport technology industry”, provides a national platform to make journeys “safer, greener, accessible and cost-effective, for the benefit of all”.
Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of ITS UK, welcomed the appointments, saying: “Congratulations to both Catherine and Caroline on becoming Chair and Vice Chair.
“They each bring a wealth of expertise, energy, and a strong commitment to advancing the sector. As long-standing board members, they have already made a significant contribution, and I know with both at the helm we will continue to see the organisation grow and flourish.
“I look forward to working closely with them in their new roles as the organisation develops its plans for 2026 and beyond.”
ITS UK credits Mr Scott for considerable growth and success during his tenure. Membership has surpassed 190 and the association says it has achieved its highest ever member satisfaction scores, also winning the Association Transformation Award from the Trade Association Forum.
Mr Sugarman adds: “I would also like to extend my thanks, on behalf of ITS UK and our members, to our outgoing Chair, Stuart Scott.
“Stuart has been a passionate champion of transport technology and its importance as a strategic industry for the UK.
“He has been instrumental in driving ITS UK to become a more outward-facing organisation that now acts as the voice of the industry.
“Under his leadership, ITS UK has expanded its membership, increased its impact, and broadened its focus to embrace technology across all transport modes. We are hugely grateful to Stuart for his leadership and support.”
