Centro, the transport delivery arm of the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority (WMCA), has announced significant personnel changes at the top.
Geoff Inskip has retired as chief executive of West Midlands transport delivery body Centro, with James Aspinall, director of business support services, taking over as managing director.
Meanwhile Pete Bond has been appointed as its new director of transport services. Mr Bond succeeds Stephen Rhodes, who is joining Transport for Greater Manchester as customer operations director.
Mr Aspinall has the critical job of leading the organisation as it prepares to become the transport delivery arm of the forthcoming West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
He joined the organisation as finance director in 2006 and has been responsible for providing strategic and financial overview of the region’s network and transport finances.
Mr Aspinall said: ‘George has done a tremendous job and his extensive knowledge and expertise will be missed.
‘The creation of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the transport opportunities that come with that offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on Geoff’s work and deliver a step change in public transport across the entire West Midlands over the coming decade.’
Mr Bond also paid tribute to his predecessor, stating: ‘Stephen is a huge act to follow but I'm very much looking forward to the challenge of my new role.
‘With the on-going development of the Midland Metro and the pioneering Bus Alliance that was introduced last year I am proud to be playing my part in helping Centro deliver exciting times for public transport and passengers in the West Midlands.
Mr Bond worked with worked with Mr Rhodes on the development and implementation of the award-winning Transforming Bus Travel programme with West Midlands' bus operators.
