Mott MacDonald has named Catherine Whitfield as its new Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Project Director, further enhancing the company’s expertise in transport technology and underlining its dedication to smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility.
With more than 25 years of experience in the ITS sector, Catherine has played a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic transport programmes for both national and local authorities in the UK and abroad. She joins Mott MacDonald from WSP, where she was Deputy Group Technical Director. During her tenure, she contributed to major initiatives such as Transport for Greater Manchester’s Digital Network Management strategy, provided guidance to National Highways on enforcement systems, and supported the development of an ITS strategy for Dubai’s Road Authority.
In her new role, Catherine will lead Mott MacDonald’s ITS team, collaborating closely with digital technology specialists and colleagues across transport, transit, and mobility disciplines. Her focus will be on driving growth and diversification within the ITS sector, ensuring clients benefit from innovative solutions that address both strategic and operational challenges.
Catherine’s appointment comes at a significant moment for the UK transport industry, as the government’s £15.6 billion investment in City Region transport projects signals a renewed emphasis on integrated, technology-driven systems. Mott MacDonald’s expanding ITS and transport teams are at the forefront of this transformation, helping clients leverage digital innovation to deliver 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 has recently been named Chair of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), the leading industry association representing over 190 organisations across the transport technology sector. Her appointment marks a continuation of her impactful work in the ITS space, where she has served as a board director for the past three years and actively represented the organisation on both national and international platforms.
She steps into the role following Stuart Scott of Mott MacDonald, an esteemed industry figure who has held the position since 2023. In addition to her new responsibilities at ITS UK, Catherine will also take over leadership of Mott MacDonald’s Intelligent Transport Systems team, succeeding Stuart in this capacity as well.
Her dual appointment reflects her deep expertise and commitment to advancing innovation in transport technology.
Graeme Smith, managing director for transport mobility solutions, UK & 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.”
Image credit: Mott McDonald
