AtkinsRéalis has appointed Colette Carroll OBE as global market lead for rail to accelerate the company’s growth in this market and connect clients with the full range of its capabilities across regions. The appointment comes amid sustained global investment in rail, reflecting AtkinsRéalis’ commitment to positioning itself to capitalise on opportunities and help clients navigate a period of significant change across the sector.
Rail is one of AtkinsRéalis’ largest and most established markets, with capabilities spanning design and engineering, planning and feasibility studies, project and programme management, project delivery, and operations and maintenance (O&M).
The company’s global rail portfolio includes delivery of Canada’s first high-speed rail link; London’s Elizabeth Line; the fully automated Canada Line; Britain’s largest rail upgrade programme, the Transpennine Route Upgrade; the Federal Way Link Extension in Washington State; and Dubai Metro, the longest automated driverless train system in the world.
The global market lead role is focused on extending the reach of these capabilities and building strategic partnerships that will underpin long-term growth.
Chief Growth Officer Kate Kenny said: “AtkinsRéalis has the multi-disciplinary expertise and global reach to help clients in high-stakes markets navigate complexity and transformation. Our Global Market Leads turn that scale into local impact, forging strategic partnerships that open up opportunities for clients and position AtkinsRéalis for long-term growth.
“Through her deep sector expertise, Colette has a track record of anticipating client needs and assembling the right capabilities to address them – she’ll ensure we’re doing that across our global rail business as this market enters a significant period of growth.”
Colette was appointed managing director of transportation for AtkinsRéalis UK & Ireland in late 2023, delivering major rail, highways, and local transport projects – including East West Rail and the Midlands Rail Hub – alongside strategic consultancy services. In this role, she also supported rail clients across the Middle East and North America, drawing on the company’s UK expertise.
She joined AtkinsRéalis in 2022 as strategic rail market director, following senior roles at HS2 and in government, including infrastructure and operations planning for the London 2012 Olympic Games. In 2013, she was awarded an OBE for services to the rail industry and she serves on the Liverpool-Manchester Railway Partnership Board.
Image credit: AtkinsRéalis
