New Chief Executive Dave Sharratt leads a team bringing TRL's software, data and expertise together in one platform
TRL has named its new leadership team and set out a plan to bring its software, data and expertise together in one platform. The aim is to give the people who run transport networks a single, joined-up view of the networks and assets they manage.
The team is led by Chief Executive Dave Sharratt, with Peter Howes as Chief Revenue Officer and Suzanne Bond as Chief Financial Officer, bringing experience of growing data and technology businesses, building commercial teams and financing growth. They join Richard Cuerden, Director of Research & Operations, who leads TRL's 80 scientists, engineers and specialists; Kay Jarvis, Chief People Officer; and Jo Evans, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.
TRL is bringing its software, data and expertise together through One TRL, creating a single, connected view of the networks and assets. By combining tools, live and historical data, digital twins and decades of research into road user behaviour, TRL will help customers see where to act first, understand why issues occur and make better decisions for safer, smarter and more resilient roads.
Dave Sharratt, Chief Executive of TRL, said: “TRL has an extraordinary 90-year legacy, but what really stands out is the quality of the people here. There is real excellence across this business. In our research, our software, our data and the way our teams work with customers. One TRL is about bringing all of that together, so we can make it easier for customers to see the full picture and make better decisions about the transport networks they manage. Our ambition is clear: to be recognised as a world-leading transport organisation, built on brilliant people, trusted expertise and practical solutions that help make roads safer, smarter and more resilient.”
The plan is backed by investment in TRL’s platform, people and customer focus. Since joining in June, Dave has spent time with teams across the business, listening to colleagues and understanding where TRL can make the greatest difference. New market and client director roles will bring the voice of the customer closer to decision making, helping TRL turn its deep expertise into clearer, more connected solutions for the people managing transport networks.
Richard Cuerden, Director of Research & Operations, said: "I've been at TRL for 25 years. The expertise has always been here. What's changing is how quickly we can get it to the people who need it, and how far it can reach, here in the UK and around the world."
Richard, Peter, and Jo will be at Highways UK at the NEC, Birmingham, on 14 and 15 October, on stand J75.
Jo Evans's conversation with Dave Sharratt about the future of TRL is on LinkedIn
About the new leadership team:
Dave Sharratt: An accomplished executive leader of global technology and software businesses Dave brings a fresh perspective, commercial ambition and a relentless curiosity about what TRL can help our clients to achieve. Most recently, Dave served as Managing Director of Authentication at De La Rue. Prior to that, he was Vice President, International at Array Technologies, where he delivered significant sales growth across EMEA and Latin America. Earlier in his career, David held a number of senior business development roles at Honeywell International, working across its Global Tracking, Scanning and Mobility, and Chemicals business units.
Peter Howes: A seasoned executive with extensive international leadership experience, Peter brings deep commercial expertise and a sharp focus on customers, helping TRL understand market needs and turn its capabilities into growth. Before joining TRL, he held senior executive roles at Praesidiad and Honeywell, including President of Productivity Products and leadership positions spanning sales, operations and regional management across EMEA and Asia-Pacific.
Suzanne Bond: A commercially focused CFO Suzanne brings financial discipline and commercial insight to help TRL grow strongly, invest wisely and build clear financial stability to deliver its ambitions. Before joining TRL, Suzanne spent over six years at De La Rue leading a team of 28 across financial analysis, modelling, forecasting and commercial business support. Her earlier career included senior leadership roles at Covidien, Tyco Healthcare and Sony.
TRL has been working out how roads, vehicles and people really behave since 1933. Today it combines software used by highway authorities across the UK and beyond, data collected on the network itself, and the expertise of 160 specialists to help make transport networks safer, longer-lasting and better run.