Catherine Whitfield to lead Mott MacDonald’s intelligent transport systems team as sector momentum builds

Mott MacDonald has appointed Catherine Whitfield as intelligent transport systems (ITS) project director, strengthening its leadership in transport technology and reinforcing its commitment to delivering smarter, safer and more sustainable mobility solutions.

With over 25 years in the intelligent transport systems sector, Catherine has helped national and local transport bodies across the UK and internationally shape and deliver strategic programmes that improve outcomes for users and communities. She joins from WSP, where she served as deputy group technical director. Her work there included supporting Transport for Greater Manchester’s Digital Network Management strategy, advising National Highways on enforcement systems and helping the Road Authority in Dubai develop an ITS strategy.

Catherine will lead Mott MacDonald’s ITS team, working closely with the wider digital technology and systems team and other transport, transit and mobility teams to embed transport technology across projects and programmes. Her role will focus on enabling growth and diversification across the ITS space, ensuring clients benefit from cutting-edge solutions that meet both strategic and operational needs.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the UK’s transport sector, with the government’s £15.6bn investment in City Region transport projects signalling a renewed focus on integrated, technology-enabled systems. Mott MacDonald’s growing ITS and transport teams are at the forefront of this transformation, supporting clients in harnessing digital innovation to create seamless, data-driven mobility experiences.

"I’m delighted to join Mott MacDonald to lead our intelligent transport services team at a time when digital innovation is reshaping how we plan, deliver and experience mobility,” said Catherine. “As chair of ITS UK, I’m also proud to help drive collaboration across the sector, ensuring we make the most of emerging technologies to create smarter, safer and more sustainable transport networks."

Catherine was also recently appointed chair of Intelligent Transport Systems UK, the industry association representing over 190 organisations across the transport technology sector. Building on her strong legacy in the ITS space - having served as a board director for the past three years and represented the organisation on national bodies and international platforms - she takes over from Mott MacDonald’s own Stuart Scott, an industry veteran who held the role since 2023. Catherine also succeeds Stuart in managing Mott MacDonald’s ITS team.

Graeme Smith, managing director for transport mobility solutions, UK and Europe, said: “Catherine’s appointment marks an exciting step forward for our ITS capability. Her deep sector knowledge, strategic insight and client-focused approach will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve our transport technology offering. We’re pleased to welcome her to the team and look forward to the impact she’ll make.”