New Executive Director of Transport to accelerate Mayor’s mission to get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough moving

This appointment will play a pivotal role in realising the region’s goal of tripling the size of the economy by 2050, with transport acting as a key enabler of growth set out in the Local Growth Plan. 

Transport is fundamental to the Combined Authority’s mission to unlock growth across high‑potential sectors including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, energy and clean tech.  

As outlined in the Local Growth Plan, improved connectivity is essential to ensuring businesses can thrive, residents can access opportunity, and communities can benefit from shared prosperity.  

Tom’s appointment reflects the Combined Authority’s commitment to delivering a transport system that supports these ambitions, strengthening links between places, improving everyday journeys, and enabling the region to reach its full economic potential. 

Tom joins the Combined Authority from the South Yorkshire Combined Authority, where he serves as Executive Director.  

His earlier career includes civil service roles across HM Treasury, the Prime Minister’s Implementation Unit, the No10 Policy Unit and the National Infrastructure Commission. He has led national funding portfolios spanning local transport, buses and the national roads programme, and has extensive experience in transport appraisal, assurance and business case development. 

His leadership will help shape a future‑focused transport system that strengthens connectivity, supports placemaking, and improves access to jobs, education and opportunity, ensuring transport continues to act as a catalyst for growth across the region. 

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: 

“My mission is clear: to get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough moving. That means delivering better buses today, securing faster rail links for tomorrow, improving our roads, and embracing new transport innovations that support our Local Growth Plan and unlock the full potential of our region. Tom brings the strategic capability and collaborative leadership needed to make this happen. I’m delighted to welcome him to the team.” 

Rob Bridge, Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, said: 

“Tom’s appointment marks a significant step forward for the region. His blend of national transport expertise and regional leadership experience will be instrumental in delivering a transport system that supports our economic ambitions, strengthens connectivity and improves everyday life for residents.” 

Tom Bousfield, said: 

“I’m delighted to be joining the Combined Authority at such a pivotal moment. Mayor Bristow’s ambition to get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough moving is exactly the kind of mission I want to be part of — using transport as a genuine engine of growth, better connecting our places, and improving the everyday journeys that matter most to residents and businesses. I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor, Rob and the whole team to deliver it.”