VECTURA ADVISORY - Key Persons
Elena brings almost 20 years' experience working in the public transport sector in project management, international business development, strategy assessment, contract delivery and stakeholder management.
She has worked on several large-scale project implementations and post-acquisition integration projects on behalf of transport companies globally and has also been involved in several international tenders.
After obtaining her Masters degree in conference interpreting and translation at the University of Bologna, Elena initially worked as a freelance conference interpreter and translator specializing in the cement industry, in medicine and science and wine-making and tasting. In 2008, she joined Arriva Plc in a business development role and in her years at Arriva she covered a number of business development positions - mainly focusing on international business development and tenders.
In 2012, she started her own consultancy business supporting clients all over the world with their business development needs.
Outside work Elena loves to backpack around the world experiencing different cultures and meeting new people. She also loves spending time in the kitchen trying out new recipes while her beloved cat stares at her with curiosity.
Laura is passionate about helping those in the transport and logistics sector have clear strategy and policy, that anticipates and responds to an ever changing legal and political context. She enjoys a blank sheet of paper and a knotty problem!
Before joining Vectura Advisory, she held policy roles at the Rail Delivery Group and at Network Rail, leading on International and European policy. During this time, she worked on the development of the EU 4th Rail Package, successfully lobbied for changes to European legislation, won over £75m in European funding for rail infrastructure projects, and led the UK industry through the Brexit process and its implications. She also represented the rail sector on international trade missions, including to Argentina, New Zealand and Australia.
As part of the Williams Rail Review, Laura used her in depth knowledge of regulation, market opening, international policy and EU legislation to deliver the industry's international benchmarking reports and provided detailed research and proposals on open access operations.
Following Brexit, Laura joined AECOM working with domestic and international clients developing policy and strategy on sustainability, rail freight and rail supply chain investments.
After obtaining a Law degree at the London School of Economics, Laura initially worked in Westminster for an MP and was elected as London's youngest female Councillor, holding a cabinet position supporting the Health, Adults and Older People portfolio. She subsequently joined the rail sector working on major projects including as Thameslink, Reading Station redevelopment and Crossrail, focusing on regulatory change notices and managing multi-million pound commercial negotiations.
In her spare time Laura enjoys cold water wild swimming and following the ups and downs of Middlesbrough Football Club.
Richard has over 30 years experience working across the transport sector.
Before establishing Vectura Advisory, he was responsible for leading Go-Ahead's international expansion, creating successful market entry strategies, establishing new business operations in Germany and the Nordic region, and overseeing contract wins.
During his time at Go-Ahead he also had leadership roles in successful UK rail franchise contract wins, led business improvement projects, and held responsibility for rail policy and relationships with key industry bodies.
He worked for the UK government rail agency, the Strategic Rail Authority, for five years specialising in managing train operator contracts and being responsible for the specification and procurement of rail franchises.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Chartered Engineer
Tim has a proven track record of developing practical, commercially-lead asset management strategies from concept through to delivery.
He has held senior engineering management roles in operating businesses, and has also been involved in developing, delivering, and winning large UK and international commercial tenders.
Tim is a Chartered Engineer with experience of working cross a broad range of transport sectors, establishing and managing several commercial maintenance contracts. His experience working within the private sectors includes working with train operators, owning groups, public transport authorities, regulators, financiers, asset owners, suppliers, and professional service businesses.
Tim holds a first class Masters degree in Maintenance Engineering & Asset Management from the University of Manchester, and a Bachelor's degree from Aston University in Mechanical Engineering.
He also owns his own fleet of restored vintage buses, which are available for hire for weddings and other special events. Outside of work, Tim enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures, which have broadened his outlook and approach to his professional career. When not travelling, he is a keen gardener and enjoys country walks with his dog.