Anne Shaw, Former Director of Network Resilience at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), has been announced as the body’s interim Managing Director.
She takes over from Laura Shoaf, who was appointed interim Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) last month.
Anne will be responsible for delivering on a £4bn transport investment package for the region, and will lead in delivering connectivity to HS2 – including the build and operation of the Midland Metro.
Her previous successes include the development and operation of the Regional Transport Communication Centre, the upgrading of traffic signals, and the delivery of new technology to monitor road congestion.
“Our region’s transport network is truly connecting communities both across and outside the West Midlands,” she says. “It brings our people together and ensures we can share out the benefits brought into the region by improving access to jobs, training courses and the region’s cultural hotspots.
“My focus as I take on this exciting new opportunity will be to ensure our transport networks run smoothly for residents and commuters; and that we are prepared for the Commonwealth Games in 2022, a time when we expect thousands of visitors to flock to the region and to see the very best of the West Midlands.”
Adds Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham Council and WMCA Transport Portfolio Lead: “I am delighted to be able to appoint Anne to the role, especially after such stiff competition.
“Our transport network underpins a lot of the region’s ambitions including growing the economy, ensuring those benefits are felt across the region and, of course, running a world class Commonwealth Games that will also be the greenest yet. A sophisticated, modern and well-run transport network will help us achieve all of these goals and we all know it’s in safe hands with Anne at the helm.”
