Transport boss steps down after eight years

Anne Shaw, with Mayor Richard Parker and Pete Bond, director of integrated network services at TfWM, is stepping down from her role

The boss of transport in the West Midlands is to step down from her role after eight years in charge.

Anne Shaw OBE, executive director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), is to take up a new role as chief executive of the National Transport Authority in Ireland.

Her departure was announced by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker on Friday.

"As I embark on my next challenge, I'm proud to reflect on the many successes we've seen in the West Midlands, including securing over £6 billion of investment in our transport network," said Ms Shaw.

She joined TfWM in 2017 as director of network resilience before taking up the lead role in 2022.

Prior to joining the authority, Ms Shaw spent 26 years working with Birmingham City Council's transport department.

Her role has seen her oversee the work on Metro extensions, the building of new railway stations and plans to franchise the region's bus network.

She was awarded the OBE for leading the successful planning and delivery of transport during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

She said: "I've always believed that access to great transport – be it by road, rail, bus, bike, tram or your own two feet – is a fundamental right that improves lives and provides access to opportunity.

"I'm incredibly proud of the work we've done to deliver on that.

"I want to especially thank the outstanding team at TfWM and the region's wider transport community for their tireless dedication in transforming the transport system and keeping our region moving so people and businesses can thrive."

Parker thanked Ms Shaw for her contributions at a meeting of the West Midlands Combined Authority Board. He said: "Anne has made a significant contribution in the West Midlands and has worked in senior roles in this region for many years, including at Birmingham City Council and most recently with us at TfWM.

"I would like to thank her for all she has done, and I wish her well for the future."