Sharief Gaafar, Senior Technical Manager at Siemens Mobility UK&I, has been awarded an MBE in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List for services to innovation in transport and diversity & inclusion.
The honour recognises Sharief’s exceptional contribution to innovation in the UK rail industry through his work on digital and onboard systems and projects that have improved safety, sustainability, and passenger experience across the network.
Since joining Siemens Mobility, Sharief has led several transformative initiatives including the deployment of Variable Rate Sanding to improve passenger safety through better rail adhesion – improving the braking of trains in adverse weather conditions. He has also led on energy-efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) controllers that reduce energy consumption and cut emissions, a pioneering remote condition monitoring system for diesel trains and an ongoing level boarding access solution to help make rail accessible for all.
His work has helped extend fleet life, reduce operational costs and advance Siemens Mobility’s sustainability goals.
Sharief has also been instrumental in developing the next generation of onboard connectivity through TrainIT, ensuring that our UK fleets are equipped with future-ready digital architectures that enable real-time data sharing, enhanced passenger information, and seamless integration with infrastructure systems.
His appointment as one of Siemens Mobility’s Senior Key Experts in the UK reflects the depth of his technical expertise and the unique value he brings to Siemens Mobility’s operations globally.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland and Managing Director of Rolling Stock & Customer Services, said:
“Sharief’s contribution to Siemens Mobility and the wider rail industry is truly outstanding.”
“His innovative thinking, technical excellence and deep commitment to accessibility and inclusivity have made a lasting difference. This honour is richly deserved, and we are incredibly proud to have Sharief as part of our team to transform rail travel and transport in the UK.”
Beyond his technical achievements, Sharief is a dedicated mentor, advocate for diversity, and active volunteer in community and international development projects.
Image credit: Siemens
