Laura Shoaf
Biography
Laura Shoaf was appointed to the Department for Transport Operator (DFTO) Board as a Non Executive Director on 24 March 2025.
Laura was Chair of Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR) from October 2024 to March 2025. At SGBR, Laura helped drive the government’s overhaul of the railways, bringing senior leaders together to deliver improvements for passengers and work towards a more unified rail system.
Prior to SGBR, Laura was the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Managing Director of Transport for West Midlands.
At WMCA, Laura led inclusive economic growth initiatives, championed skills development, added social value through land and housing regeneration, and enhanced transport connectivity.
At Transport for West Midlands, Laura oversaw a multi-million-pound transport investment package for the region.
Laura was also the first female chair of the Urban Transport Group, where she supported the transport industry on its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Laura is a recognised expert who has advised on national policy. She was also one of the UK’s first ‘transport champions for tackling violence against women and girls’.