Transport for West Midlands appoints interim managing director

Anne Shaw has been announced as the interim managing director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM).

Previously director of network resilience at TfWM for almost four years, Shaw is experienced at managing large scale and complex transport projects.

Prior to joining TfWM, she worked at Birmingham City Council, joining as a junior technician and then working her way up to assistant director of transportation responsible for policy, strategy and delivery.

Shaw said: “Our region’s transport network is truly connecting communities both across and outside the West Midlands. 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.”

As managing director, she will be responsible for delivering a £4bn transport investment package for the region. She will also lead in delivering connectivity to HS2 including the build and operation of the Midland Metro.

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham Council and WMCA transport portfolio lead, said: “I am delighted to be able to appoint Anne to the role, especially after such stiff competition. Anne already has a great many transport successes to her name including the development and operation of the Regional Transport Communication Centre and upgrading traffic signals and delivering new technology to monitor road congestion.

“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.”

Shaw takes on the role after Laura Shoaf was appointed interim chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) last month.

Close