Gooding to lead RAC Foundation

Steve Gooding has been appointed as the new director of the RAC Foundation.

He will succeed Professor Stephen Glaister CBE who is retiring and will take up the post in May 2015.

Gooding (pictured) has been director general of roads, traffic and local group at the Department for Transport since 2013.

Recently he has been leading the work that will result in the transformation of the Highways Agency into Highways England. He has also been responsible for overseeing the work of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).

He said: “I have been aware of the RAC Foundation and its research work for many years, and to have the chance to join the organisation is a great opportunity, a privilege and a considerable responsibility building on the work of my predecessors.

“I have long been fascinated by transport and travel, and I am very conscious of the fundamental part mobility plays in all our lives, not least those of the UK’s 38 million drivers.

“Some of the biggest political and social debates touch on transport including climate change, public health, infrastructure provision, and the funding and financing of public services. I am looking forward to leading the Foundation’s contribution on these issues.”

Gooding will report to the RAC Foundation’s board of trustees.