TRL says it is continuing its investment in core focus areas of intelligent infrastructure and emerging technology with the appointment of two new directors into its senior leadership team.
Matt Sercombe and Dr Paul Zanelli (pictured left and right respectively) have been appointed to lead the company's Infrastructure and Engineering & Technology divisions respectively, while also playing leading roles in TRL's focus and engagement with surface transport and related market segments.
"[They are] Joining other members of TRL's senior leadership team, their wealth of experience further underpins TRL's ongoing transformation and growth ambitions," the company says in a statement.
"These new hires reaffirm TRL's position as a world leader in future transport and mobility solutions, aligning to commitments from UK Government of increased investment in transport infrastructure and emerging technologies, including connected and automated vehicles," the statement continues.
Sercombe joins from Transport for London, where he was head of tunnels and structures across London for the past five years. He worked on key projects including the Hammersmith flyover refurbishment and Chiswick bridge strengthening and will guide TRL in its role supporting the development of a future-proof road and rail network, underpinned by intelligent infrastructure. Sercombe's prior experience includes Siemens (Mobility), Serco (Integrated Transport) and Trafficmaster.
Zanelli joins from the Transport Systems Catapult where, as CTO, he led the development of the company's technology strategy for Intelligent Mobility. He has extensive experience in emerging transport technology and TRL says he will apply this knowledge to guide and develop TRL's growing portfolio of work in areas including machine learning, virtual reality and connected and automated vehicles. Zanelli's prior experience includes Network Rail, BAE Systems and Advent Venture Partners.
Commenting on his appointment, Matt Sercombe said, 'TRL delivers a diverse range of infrastructure projects in terms of scope, timescale, location and outcome. It is in that diversity, built from many decades of international activity and impact, where I feel TRL really adds value. TRL provides an end-to-end, independent view of how and why to improve transport infrastructure to meet future needs, especially in the increasing technological areas of intelligent infrastructure.'
Dr Paul Zanelli added, 'Transport is going to be very different in 20 years' time, particularly in cities, and this is going to present huge challenges and opportunities for local authorities, central government and businesses alike. Joining TRL puts me at the forefront of these changes and I look forward to helping the company continue to drive real world impact from emerging technology and transport areas.'
Rob Wallis, CEO at TRL, said, 'These two new appointments, along with other active investments in new products and international expansion, further position TRL to lead the way in emerging transport technologies and infrastructure. It is an exciting and disruptive time to be engaged in the transport and mobility sectors. TRL is making significant progress through various innovative projects in the UK and internationally, spanning the entire surface transport spectrum.'
