Robert Comben BEng CEng MBA MIET MIRSE MCILT
Robert Comben is Senior Manager/Director and Systems Engineer. He has over 29 years of experience with major transportation and infrastructure organisations focused on the rail sector, covering engineering, business, project and operational leadership roles. He has provided systems engineering expertise across a range of light rail and metro new build and upgrade projects, and led procurement of E&M systems on turnkey projects including the fully automated MRT metro in Singapore. He was Head of Programme for a £1.4bn fleet procurement for a major UK train operator and as Head of Global Metros at Atkins, was Project Director for a portfolio of projects in the UK, Europe and China.
Robert has recent experience in Digital Railway projects. He was Head of Business Engagement for Network Rail Asset Information and Orbis programme, and was bid advisor to a bidder for the Digital Railway Train Control Partner on ECML. He has also advised PwC and Thales on their Digital Railway programme. His signalling expertise builds on his early career experience, with LUL and Booz Allen & Hamilton where he held key roles in the introduction of new fleets, and systems integration of moving block signalling and control systems for Docklands Light Railway in London, and MUNI in San Francisco.
Robert also brings a rich palette of experience in the strategic development, planning and delivery of major and/or complex infrastructure; operations and service delivery; and in business transformation and change programmes. He has worked with national governments, infrastructure owners, operators and the supply chain including MTA in New York, TfL, Abellio, First Group and Network Rail. His assignments and projects include rail franchise bids, programme mobilisations, programme reviews, target operating models and organisational design.
Beginning his career as an engineering graduate with London Underground, Robert is a Chartered Engineer. He has since been awarded an MBA at Imperial College and is member of the MIET, MIRSE and MCILT.