Speaker Details
Over 40 prominent speakers convene across the full agenda of free-to-attend live and online exclusive webinars, and interviews, being hosted for Decarbonising Transport Week, our second year. We had over 1,200 delegates last year, join us this year!
Bill Esterson MP
Opening Address for Decarbonising Transport Week 2024
- Job Title: Shadow Transport Minister
- Organisation:Member of Parliament
Bill Esterson is the Labour MP for Sefton Central, and has been an MP continuously since 6 May 2010. He currently undertakes the roles of Shadow Minister (Business and Industrial Strategy), and Shadow Minister (Transport).
Dr Ajith Ambalakatte
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Navigating Net Zero: Decarbonising the UK Maritime Sector.
- Job Title: Research Fellow
- Organisation:MariNH3 (University of Nottingham).
Ajith is a PhD Researcher in the Powertrain Research Group at University of Nottingham His main focus is on the utilization of renewable low/zero carbon fuels such as Hydrogen, Ammonia, and Methanol in internal combustion engines. He is particularly interested in studying the combustion fundamentals as well as exploring the practical challenges with retrofit solutions, such as pre-chamber jet ignition, for internal combustion engines that operate on renewable fuels.
Dr Alistair Barnes CEng CSci
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Driving the Future: Accelerating the UK's Zero Emission Transition.
- Job Title: Senior Programme Manager - Land & Maritime Transport
- Organisation:Innovate UK
Alistair is a Senior Programme Manager working on Net Zero at Innovate UK. He is responsible for over £200m of programmes, with a primary focus on decarbonising heavy duty vehicles. As the UK's innovation agency, Innovate UK has a key role in supporting UK businesses to innovate and grow by working with the Government including the UK’s Department for Transport.
Prof Phil Blythe
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Driving the Future: Accelerating the UK's Zero Emission Transition.
- Job Title: Professor of Intelligent Transport Systems
- Organisation:Newcastle University
Professor Phil Blythe is the former Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Transport. Phil is the Director of the new National Hub for Decarbonised, Adaptable, and Resilient Transport Infrastructures, funded by the Department for Transport and UKRI, that brings together leading UK universities and diverse industry, civic, and government partners. . Phil’s academic focus has been the development of ITS – the use of information, communications and computing technology applied to transport, and in March 2012 he was awarded the Reece-Hills Medal for a lifetime personal contribution to ITS.
Helena Bennett
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Decoding Net Zero Aviation: Perspectives and Strategies for a Greener Future.
- Job Title: Head of Climate Policy
- Organisation:Green Alliance
Helena is Head of Climate Policy at Green Alliance, an independent think tank and NGO, and leads on policy work across net zero and emissions reductions. Helena previously worked at the Climate Vulnerable Forum as a research adviser and PwC as the sustainability lead in the Innovation Team.
Elaine Clark
Keynote Session | Roundtable - On Track to Net Zero: Decarbonising Rail.
- Job Title: Chief Executive
- Organisation:Rail Forum
Elaine is CEO of Rail Forum, the largest industry body for the rail sector in the UK; with almost 400 members nationally. A Chartered Engineer, Elaine has worked in the chemical and electrical power industries including running her own SME technical training provider. She joined the rail sector to work on the National Skills Academy for Rail start up project in 2011 moving to the Rail Forum in 2016 where she is responsible for strategy, ensuring we deliver exceptional customer service for our members and leading on specific initiatives.
David Clarke
Keynote Session | Roundtable - On Track to Net Zero: Decarbonising Rail.
- Job Title: Technical Director
- Organisation:Railway Industry Association
David Clarke is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers with over 35 years’ rail industry experience. In his role at RIA, the trade association for the UK railway supply industry, he represents members interests in the important areas of safety, technical standards, technical strategy, research and innovation. Current priorities include decarbonisation, digitalisation and supply chain sustainability. Prior to joining RIA he was the Innovation Director at RSSB helping to deliver the Rail Technical Strategy. His earlier career includes being Deputy Director, Rail Technical at the Department for Transport, prior to which he was a Director for two of the major rail infrastructure contractors having started his career with British Rail. He has been responsible for large operational and project delivery teams, securing major contracts, corporate strategy and business development and, more recently, for technical strategy and innovation.
Mark Constable
Climate Perspectives | Interview with Mark Constable about On-Street Residential EV Charging.
- Job Title: Head of Public Affairs
- Organisation:Trojan Energy
Mark drove his first EV in 2008 and was immediately struck by the potential for massive disruption in automotive. He has led the EV team at EDF, later developing the large-scale commercial Rapid Charging Hub programme for TfL. Mark has sat on a number of steering/advisory groups in both eMobility and heat electrification, and currently chairs RECHARGE UK at the Renewable Energy Association (REA). Mark joined on-street charging innovator Trojan Energy in May 2021 and leads on External and Government Affairs.
Isabel Davis
Insider Event | Climate Change Voluntary Disclosures - Why they matter.
- Job Title: Sustainability Manager
- Organisation:Freightliner
Isabel has over 7 years’ experience in sustainability with a background in the energy industry before joining Freightliner 18 months ago. Isabel is responsible for registering Freightliner to Science Based Targets, reporting to CDP and working on business resilience against the future challenges of climate change.
Deborah Delaney
Insider Event | Biomethane for Transport Decarbonisation: Opportunities for Local Authority Fleets.
- Job Title: General Manager
- Organisation:Bio Capital
Deborah joined Bio Capital in 2022 after working as a Renewables Consultant for the group. Deborah has worked in the renewables and waste sector for over 20 years, within management roles in Commercials, Transport and Project Management. Currently, Deborah is the General Manager for the transport arm of the Group alongside supporting the COO in M&A opportunities
Wasundara Doradeniya
Insider Event | Biomethane for Transport Decarbonisation: Opportunities for Local Authority Fleets.
- Job Title: Policy Analyst
- Organisation:Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA)
Wasundara Doradeniya is a Policy Analyst at the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, leading the Energy, Transport, and Decarbonisation workstream. In this capacity, her work revolves around advocating for the potential of the AD sector in decarbonising some of the hardest-to-decarbonise sectors like energy, transport, agriculture and industry. Before joining ADBA, Wasundara interned at the Climate and Clean Air Secretariat of the UN Environment Programme in Paris, where she worked on developing a data-driven policy review to support partner countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector.
Nour Eid
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Decoding Net Zero Aviation: Perspectives and Strategies for a Greener Future.
- Job Title: Head of Strategy & Commercial - Hydrogen Capability Network
- Organisation:Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI).
Nour’s role is to work with government, industry and academia to enable the research and testing of hydrogen in the UK’s aerospace sector. Nour’s objective is to deliver a coherent approach to skills development, infrastructure and hydrogen supply to secure long-term UK capability and accelerate the next generation of zero emission, hydrogen aircraft. Previously, Nour was the Senior Innovation Manager at the ATI and coordinated the Institute’s innovation strategy. Nour’s work focused on how best to support startups and innovators bring novel technologies to the UK aerospace sector. Nour has previously been the programme lead on the ATI Boeing Accelerator programme, where he provided mentorship, networking opportunities and workshops to support two cohorts of high performing technology startups. Since joining the ATI, Nour has developed key strategies around advancing the use of additive manufacturing and near net shape manufacturing in aerospace. Nour graduated from Imperial College London with a first-class MEng in Aeronautical Engineering. Before joining the ATI, Nour was technical lead in the weight estimation and control team at Airbus in Filton. Nour was responsible for the evolving wing weight of the A350 and liaised with international suppliers to manage and challenge changes to their work packages. Nour also led weight-saving campaigns for future aircraft variants and performance improvement programmes. He was seconded to Toulouse, where he worked alongside the A350 final assembly line. Nour was also seconded to British Airways’ engineering team at London Heathrow.
Philip Fjeld
Insider Event | Biomethane for Transport Decarbonisation: Opportunities for Local Authority Fleets.
- Job Title: Founder, CEO
- Organisation:CNG Fuels
Richard Hill
Insider Event | Decarbonising Transport – How can rail contribute?
- Job Title: Licensing Assurance Specialst
- Organisation:Network Rail
A passionate advocate for sustainability, Richard Hill brings his expertise and engaging style to Decarbonising Transport Week, igniting staff engagement around climate change and environmental issues. Currently assisting the Environment Team in Network Rail Capital Delivery Wales and Western, Richard is a co-chair of the Staff Green Network, demonstrating his dedication to driving positive change within the industry. He is also actively pursuing his studies with the Open University, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and development. His experience within the Rail industry, coupled with his ongoing studies, equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding climate change in the rail sector.
Jon Hood
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Navigating Net Zero: Decarbonising the UK Maritime Sector.
- Job Title: UK Sustainable Shipping Manager
- Organisation:Transport & Environment
Jon joined T&E’s shipping team in 2022. Previously a civil servant, he has held a variety of policy roles relating to climate change and clean energy systems, including several years at the Department for Transport working on amendments to the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO). Currently he leads T&E’s work on sustainable shipping in the UK, including on maritime emissions trading and zero-emission energy.
Rt Hon Chris Huhne
Insider Event | Biomethane for Transport Decarbonisation: Opportunities for Local Authority Fleets.
- Job Title: Chair
- Organisation:Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA)
Chris Huhne is the chair of the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association, the trade association for biogas developers and operators. He was the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2010-2012 responsible for electricity market reform (including contracts for difference), energy company obligations, COP negotiations and the renewable heat incentive. Before politics, he was chief economist and managing director of Fitch ratings in charge of sovereign analysis and an award-winning economic journalist. As a consultant since 2013, he has specialised in dispatchable renewables notably biogas and biomass.
Jon Jordan
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Navigating Net Zero: Decarbonising the UK Maritime Sector.
- Job Title: Secretary
- Organisation:North Sea Hydrogen Ports and Maritime Community (NS HyMaP).
NS HyMaP began as an Information Exchange in 2020 and its Members’ decided to form a membership based association in January 2021. Membership is open to the North Sea ports, maritime and hydrogen sectors. Jon was Head of the Secretariat for the Hydrogen Fuel Cells in European Regions (HyER) and worked in Brussels from 2015 to 2018. He was also UK Contact Point for the North Sea INTERREG Programme from 2002 to 2014. Jon Jordan established European Policy Solutions in 2001 and has worked for a wide variety of clients in the UK and European Union. This has included the development of EU project proposals, EU policy papers and the evaluation of projects. Jon was Head of European Policy in Central Regional Council (1989 to 1993) and worked for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA) from 1989 to 2001. He established and was Director of the CoSLA Brussels Office.
Craig Lucas
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Navigating Net Zero: Decarbonising the UK Maritime Sector.
- Job Title: Director - Energy Transformation
- Organisation:Mott MacDonald
Craig is responsible for developing a global response to market transition, including developing energy services for Mott MacDonald’s infrastructure clients. From 2012 - 2019 he was a senior civil servant in DECC and then BEIS, latterly as Director of Science and Innovation for Climate and Energy. His prior career was in energy and infrastructure both in the UK and internationally. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and a member of the institution’s Policy Oversight Committee.
Iain MacBeth
Climate Perspectives | Interview with Iain MacBeth about Advanced Air Mobility and eVTOLs.
- Job Title: Director of Future Mobility
- Organisation:Independent Guest
With over 25 years of experience in electric, hydrogen, and advanced air mobility, I am the Director of Future Mobility for a Saudi giga-project that aims to create a sustainable and innovative destination along the west coast of Saudi Arabia. My role is to lead the delivery of zero emission transportation solutions for the portfolio of developments, including EV charging operations and maintenance, hydrogen vehicle trials, and eVTOL and autonomous vehicle strategy. I am passionate about exploring and implementing cutting-edge technologies and business models that can transform the mobility sector and reduce its environmental impact. Previously, I was the European Innovation, Partnerships & Strategy Director for Enterprise Holdings, where I developed and executed the electric vehicle strategy for over 200,000 vehicles across five countries. I also worked with the European Commission and national governments on the transition to zero carbon mobility. Before that, I was the Head of Foresight at Transport for London, where I was accountable for delivering the horizon scanning function of the Innovation Directorate and leading TfL engagement on urban air mobility, drones, and hydrogen vehicles. I also managed strategic relationships with the automotive sector and the car club industry.
Tom Parke
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Driving the Future: Accelerating the UK's Zero Emission Transition.
- Job Title: Associate
- Organisation:Green Finance Institute
Tom leads the GFI Transport Team’s work on heavy goods vehicles. Specifically, he has led the development of the ‘Delivering Net Zero’ report which identifies10 innovative financing solutions to help operators overcome barriers to decarbonisation and accelerate private investment into zero emission HGVs and infrastructure, as well as a guide for investors in the EV Battery Supply Chain. He joined the Institute from the Growth Lending Group, a provider of working capital and venture debt to high growth businesses, where he managed a portfolio of clients and worked across different teams to structure and restructure ABL facilities.
Mark Richmond
Insider Event | Biomethane for Transport Decarbonisation: Opportunities for Local Authority Fleets.
- Job Title: Technical Director
- Organisation:WRM
Mark is a Technical Director at WRM and is a Chartered Waste Manager with twenty years of experience in waste management. He has specific experience in developing waste and recycling strategy, assessing the feasibility of recycling and processing facilities, managing waste and recycling service procurements and undertaking investment due diligence. He has delivered several projects that have evaluated the adoption of biomethane-fuelled vehicles in local authority waste collection fleets.
Annabel Sarling
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Decoding Net Zero Aviation: Perspectives and Strategies for a Greener Future.
- Job Title: Policy & Commercial Development Lead
- Organisation:Low Carbon Contracts Company
Annabel Sarling is working on developing new schemes for the UK's decarbonisation. With a background in policy and previous experience at Orbit Group and SP Broadway, she brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable housing, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to drive impactful initiatives in the low-carbon sector.
Maggie Simpson OBE
Keynote Session | Roundtable - On Track to Net Zero: Decarbonising Rail.
- Job Title: Director General
- Organisation:Rail Freight Group
Maggie is Director General of the Rail Freight Group, the representative body for rail freight in the UK. Since joining in 2005 she has worked to promote growth in rail freight and to support member companies of the Group in their activities. She is also a Trustee of the Railway Benefit Fund.
Chris Swan
Insider Event | Decarbonising Transport – How can rail contribute?
- Job Title: Head of Rail
- Organisation:Tarmac
Chris is Head of Rail for UK & Europe, based in the UK (Tarmac) for CRH. 20 years working in the railfreight and construction industries. He is responsible for the company's rail strategy across Europe and operational delivery in the UK, as well as ensuring that the rail network can deliver the business demands of the future. He also works to drive improvements in operations, promoting and delivering modal shift and ensuring the right relationships with key suppliers. Chris is also Chair of the UK Railfreight Group Chris has spent nearly 20 years working in the railfreight and construction industries. Prior to joining Tarmac he held a variety of senior operational railfreight roles, covering most areas of the UK & all major product types. At Tarmac Chris is responsible for the company's national rail strategy and operational delivery, as well as ensuring that the rail network can deliver the business demands of the future. Key to this is working with all freight operating companies & other key rail suppliers to ensure Tarmac can safely deliver effective services to its customers, expanding the network of sites and rail depots within the business, improving capacity and efficiency and also working with partners to innovate & develop new technology within the rail supply chain. Chris has also worked to raise the profile of the construction industry within the wider rail industry and works with colleagues from across the industry to ensure policy makers and regional and national bodies are aware of the need to create and improve capacity and strategic terminals in key areas. He is on the Board of the Railfreight Group and Rail Forum Midlands & Vice Chair of the CILT Railfreight Committee.
Colin Tattam
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Decoding Net Zero Aviation: Perspectives and Strategies for a Greener Future.
- Job Title: Executive Director – Net Zero & Sustainable Industries
- Organisation:Innovate UK KTN
Colin is responsible for programmes in Net Zero and Sustainable Industries. He leads industry-facing teams across a wide range of sectors, including Energy, Infrastructure, Transport, Manufacturing, Materials and Chemistry & Industrial Biotech. Colin has worked for 15 years to initiate and develop collaborations and partnerships, working at the interfaces between business, academia, government and public sector to shape collaborative programmes that accelerate innovation and drive sustainable growth. Before joining Innovate UK KTN, Colin worked in industrial materials and manufacturing roles for 15 years. He graduated with a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Birmingham, is a Fellow of IOM3 and a Chartered Engineer.
Dr Kim Yates
Keynote Session | Roundtable - Decoding Net Zero Aviation: Perspectives and Strategies for a Greener Future.
- Job Title: Chair - Climate Change Advocacy Group
- Organisation:Association for Consultancy and Engineering
A director-level sustainability and climate change professional with over 26 years’ experience gathered both in the UK and internationally. Kim is also the UK & Europe Climate Change Lead at Mott MacDonald and has had an extensive career working in the UK and further afield and has gained a deep understanding of sustainable infrastructure, climate change and carbon issues; and is an active promoter of the Net Zero agenda, particularly in the transport sector. Experienced leader and project director for complex infrastructure projects and a proven track-record in the development and implementation of international best practice.
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