Connected Places Catapult, a UK-based leading innovation accelerator for transport, the built environment, cities, and local growth, has announced the appointment of five new Managing Directors. This strategic move aims to accelerate the organisation’s growth and solidify its position as a key driver of innovation across the UK.
The new senior leaders, bringing extensive expertise in technology, innovation, and strategic leadership, will foster collaboration across industry, academia, and government to shape the future of connected places.
Key Appointments:
Sameer Savani – Transport, Managing Director (Summer 2025):
- Savani, currently Vice President at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol, brings a wealth of experience in large-scale people leadership and strategic vision.
- He is known for his inclusive leadership style and his work launching the UK’s first National Aerospace Technology Strategy.
“I’m relishing the opportunity to join Connected Places Catapult and humbled to be serving on its leadership team at such a crucial time both for the organisation, as well as the UK. Transport is the lifeblood of our economy, connecting people, goods, services, cultures and opportunities – in all places. Innovating in this sector has the power to unlock growth, boost productivity, and spread inclusive and sustainable prosperity for everyone – missions that are very close to my heart. I can’t wait to join the incredible team at Connected Places Catapult and help drive us forward faster and further with purpose and impact…and have fun while doing so!” said Savani.
Alan Welby – Built Environment and Local Growth, Managing Director (April 1st, 2025):
- Welby’s career focuses on leveraging innovation to transform cities and regions, with experience across local and regional government, higher education, and the private sector.
Alan Welby, Built Environment and Local Growth Managing Director, said: “I am very excited to take this new role to lead our Built Environment and Local Growth teams. I am eager to position Connected Places Catapult as the go-to partner in shaping the UK’s innovation landscape in cities and regions. We will be looking to support SMEs to innovate and grow, unlock innovation-led growth in regions and accelerate transformation in the built environment sector. Innovation is central to how place leaders and businesses can openly address new opportunities and barriers, secure investment and improve our cities and regions for the better.”
Justin Anderson – Data and Digital, Managing Director (April 1st, 2025):
- Anderson is a seasoned digital transformation leader with a background at KPMG International and as Director of the Digital Twin Hub.
- He is recognised for his expertise in AI, IoT, and digital twins, and his ability to connect systems-level thinking with practical delivery.
Justin Anderson – Data and Digital Managing Director, said: “I’m honoured to be joining the Connected Places Catapult leadership team at such a pivotal moment for innovation in the UK. Data and digital technologies are the connective tissue of modern places — essential to unlocking system-wide transformation across transport, infrastructure and local growth. Our new Data & Digital business unit has a powerful opportunity to accelerate the development of UK-wide data-sharing infrastructure — laying the groundwork for intelligent systems that improve decision-making and enable more connected, inclusive, and sustainable places. Working closely with my fellow Managing Directors, I’m excited to help deliver integrated programmes with measurable impact — for people, prosperity, and the planet — and to enjoy the journey as we do so.”
Catherine Cullen and Gayle Willis – Strategy, Marketing, Communications and Portfolio, Managing Directors (June 2025):
- Cullen and Willis, working in a job-share partnership, bring extensive experience in impact, funding, strategy, and communications.
- Their recent role as Executive Directors at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation saw them lead a transformational organisational strategy.
Catherine Cullen and Gayle Willis, Strategy, Marketing, Communications and Portfolio Managing Director, said: “We’re excited to be joining Connected Places Catapult at such a crucial time. There’s huge potential in putting innovation that’s good for people and the planet at the heart of economic growth. We’re looking forward to working with Erika Lewis and the whole team, to build on their impressive track record in innovation and collaboration with partners.”
Leadership’s Vision:
Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer at Connected Places Catapult, expressed her enthusiasm for the new appointments. She said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sameer, Alan, Justin, Catherine and Gayle to the Connected Places Catapult leadership team. Each individual brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and a proven track record of success in driving innovation within their respective fields. We are confident that their leadership will strengthen our ability to deliver on our vision for better connected places.”
Kate Ross, Chief Transformation Officer, will serve as interim Transport Managing Director until Sameer Savani’s arrival.
