The name Laura Shoaf has become synonymous with innovation, leadership, and progress within the UK’s transport and economic development sectors. Her journey from a young professional in urban planning to one of the most respected executives in regional and national transport leadership is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and vision. Over the years, she has championed inclusive growth, sustainable infrastructure, and improved connectivity while simultaneously advocating for safer and more accessible public transport.
This article explores her career in depth, from her leadership at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to her pivotal role as Chair of the Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR), alongside her work in international transport bodies and charitable contributions.
Laura Shoaf: A Career Dedicated to Public Service
Early Career and Education
Laura Shoaf’s path began with a strong academic foundation. She attended Miss Porter’s School before pursuing a BA in Political Science and Economics at Colorado College in the United States. Building on her interest in planning and urban policy, she earned a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from New York University in 1999.
Armed with her qualifications, she began her professional journey as a consultant with the Institute of Public Administration in Saudi Arabia. Her early career experiences gave her exposure to complex systems, strategy, and the challenges of urban governance. She later returned to the UK, taking on roles such as Principal Consultant at GVA Grimley and Head of Strategic Planning and Implementation at The Black Country Consortium.
These roles shaped her analytical and leadership skills, positioning her to influence policy and strategy at higher levels.
Rising Through Regional Leadership
Black Country and Transport Integration
In 2013, Laura Shoaf became Black Country Director of Transport for the Association of Black Country Authorities. Here, she worked on connecting communities, developing sustainable infrastructure, and creating strategies that prioritised both people and economic prosperity.
By 2015, she was appointed Strategic Director of Transport at the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, where she was responsible for developing frameworks that would later underpin regional growth.
Managing Director, Transport for West Midlands
Her career reached a new height in 2016 when she became the Managing Director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM). In this role, Shoaf worked tirelessly to align transport policies with housing, employment, and skills development. She pushed for integration across bus, rail, cycling, and walking networks, ensuring transport became a catalyst for regeneration and opportunity.
Her leadership at TfWM demonstrated her belief that transport is more than moving people from A to B—it is a foundation for inclusive growth and social mobility.
Laura Shoaf at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
Appointment as Chief Executive
In June 2021, Shoaf was appointed Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, a role she held until June 2025. As the head of WMCA, she oversaw significant investment in transport, housing, and skills across the region. Her leadership was marked by vision, pragmatism, and an ability to unite stakeholders behind ambitious strategies.
Achievements at WMCA
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Transport Investment: She helped multiply the scale of transport investment, ensuring the West Midlands became one of the best-connected regions in the UK.
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Inclusive Growth: Shoaf was passionate about economic regeneration that left no community behind, championing projects that linked transport with job creation and education.
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National Recognition: For her services to economic regeneration, she was honoured with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2022.
Her time at WMCA reinforced her reputation as a dynamic leader who balanced big-picture vision with practical delivery.
Laura Shoaf and the Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR)
Appointment and Vision
In October 2024, Laura Shoaf was appointed Chair of the Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR). This organisation was created to prepare the foundations for the full establishment of Great British Railways (GBR), which aims to unify track and train under a single accountable body.
Shoaf’s role as Chair is part-time and unpaid, but highly influential. She is tasked with bringing together leaders from Network Rail, the DfT Operator of Last Resort, and the Department for Transport (DfT).
Priorities for GBR
Under Shoaf’s guidance, SGBR has focused on five priority areas set by the Secretary of State:
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Improving passenger experiences.
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Driving freight growth and efficiency.
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Simplifying rail ticketing and fares.
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Enhancing reliability and punctuality.
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Delivering transparent, passenger-focused governance.
Her leadership is helping to bridge the gap between fragmented rail services and a unified national network, ensuring that rail reform delivers tangible benefits for the public.
International and National Influence
UITP – Union Internationale des Transports Publics
Shoaf’s expertise extends beyond the UK. She served as a Board Member of UITP, the international association for public transport, contributing to global discussions on sustainability, urban mobility, and innovation.
Urban Transport Group
At home, she made history by becoming the first female Chair of the Urban Transport Group, where she represented UK city-regions on national policy, particularly during the challenges of post-COVID recovery. Her leadership helped ensure that local transport networks were resilient, responsive, and supported by central government.
Commitment to Social Value and Community
Transport Champion for Safety
In 2021, Laura Shoaf was appointed one of the UK’s first Transport Champions tackling violence against women and girls. She has been a vocal advocate for safety on public transport, pushing for initiatives that make systems more accessible, inclusive, and secure.
Charitable Work – Cure Leukaemia
Beyond transport, Shoaf has shown her commitment to community wellbeing as a Trustee of Cure Leukaemia since 2020. Her involvement reflects a wider commitment to social causes and improving quality of life for people beyond her professional remit.
Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust
Shoaf also served as a Trustee of the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust, contributing to heritage and community projects that preserve the cultural importance of railways.
Leadership Style and Recognition
Laura Shoaf’s leadership is defined by collaboration, strategic vision, and a focus on delivery. She has been described as both pragmatic and inspiring, able to bring together diverse stakeholders—from local councils and private investors to international organisations.
Her recognition with a CBE in 2022 is a testament to her impact. She represents a new kind of leadership in public service: inclusive, innovative, and grounded in the belief that transport is a driver of opportunity.
Conclusion
The career of Laura Shoaf illustrates how dedicated leadership can transform communities and industries alike. From her academic grounding at New York University and Colorado College to her groundbreaking leadership at TfWM, WMCA, and now the Shadow Great British Railways, Shoaf has consistently championed progress.
Her achievements extend beyond transport into economic regeneration, safety, and community engagement, showing her as a leader whose influence is both local and international.
As GBR prepares for its full launch, Shoaf’s vision and collaborative approach are helping to shape the future of rail in Britain. Meanwhile, her contributions to causes like Cure Leukaemia and her advocacy for safer transport underline her deep commitment to people as much as to policy.
With her blend of expertise, compassion, and determination, Laura Shoaf continues to be a leading voice for positive change—an example of how one individual can help build systems that work better for everyone.4
