Tim Sullivan joins as market portfolio manager to lead new era in transport planning and modelling

Tim Sullivan has joined Mott MacDonald in the newly created role of market portfolio manager, transport planning and modelling, UK and Europe. He will lead the strategic direction, operations and commercial performance of Mott MacDonald’s transport planning and modelling team, a 160-strong group of specialists working across the UK and Europe.

The team delivers a wide range of services, from strategic foresight to active travel, public realm design and major infrastructure feasibility. They work across key projects including HS2 and East West Rail, and major framework contracts for the likes of Transport for Greater Manchester and the Department for Transport.

Tim joins from Urbis Sydney where he was director of transport advisory leading complex public sector projects and shaping national thinking on decarbonisation, active transport and precinct planning. Previous senior roles at WSP, Transport for NSW and Cardno (now Stantec) have seen him lead high-performing teams, contribute to the Sydney-Newcastle High Speed Rail and chair the AITPM working group that authored its 2024 report: The Path to Net Zero: Decarbonising Australia’s Transport System. 

Tim’s appointment comes at a time of renewed momentum in UK transport planning. The government’s devolution agenda, Integrated National Transport Strategy and recent funding for active travel and zero-emission infrastructure are creating major opportunities to plan and deliver much-needed projects including low-traffic neighbourhoods, bus priority corridors and regional mobility hubs.

“It’s an exciting time for transport planning so this is more than a new appointment, it’s a fresh start,” said Graeme Smith, managing director for transport and mobility solutions, UK and Europe. “Tim’s arrival is a clear signal to our people and the market that we are serious about building something exceptional. We’re investing in our future and in the people who will shape it.”

Commenting on his appointment, Tim said: “I’m genuinely thrilled to be back in the UK and taking this key leadership role at Mott MacDonald. This is a great time to be a transport professional in the UK and Europe, reflected in our ambitious growth plans at home and overseas. We already have a strong team and some fantastic strengths to build upon, and we have now set ourselves the challenge of becoming the leading transport planning and modelling business in our region. I’m confident that we have both the pipeline of work and ambition to achieve this goal.”