Leadership team
Maria Machancoses
CEO
Maria has been instrumental in the success and development of Midlands Connect since helping to set up the partnership in 2014. Maria has also worked as Director of the Midlands Engine and managed the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority’s input into the HS2 Hybrid Bill.
Paul Butters
Director of Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
Paul leads the external affairs team at Midlands Connect, having spent a number of years working for business group the CBI and as a strategic advisor and press officer for the Liberal Democrats.
Rachel Martin
Director of Corporate Services
Rachel manages and implements Midlands Connect's corporate, strategic and operational plans. Her team provides assurance to the partnership and the Department for Transport (DfT) that our Governance and Programme are both efficient and effective.
Mike Bull
Programme Director
Mike oversees a wide-ranging programme of works which also focuses on new technologies and innovation – including EV charging and alternative fuels provision. Having previously worked in leadership roles with HS2, Highways England and British Transport Police, he is ready to press ahead with the pipeline of priorities for investment across the region.
Andrew Pritchard
Strategic Advisor
Alongside his role as Director of Policy and Infrastructure at East Midlands Councils, Andrew provides strategic advice on Midlands Connect’s policy direction and approach to our long term role as a Sub-national Transport Body.
Richard Bradley
Head of Strategy
Richard heads up Midlands Connect’s Strategy Team. With a broad background in most aspects of transport planning and engineering, the last few years has been a period of re-defining the role of transport planning to the more holistic planning of infrastructure with technology, digital and alternative fuels.