The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) has announced a significant change in its leadership. On 21 November 2025, Gautier Brodeo officially assumed office as the new President of the world’s largest public transport organisation. At the same time, Lilli Matson, a senior executive at Transport for London (TfL), was appointed the association’s new Deputy President. Mohamed Mezghani continues in his role as Secretary General, ensuring continuity at the operational helm of the organisation. Their terms run until the next UITP General Assembly in June 2026.
An Experienced Industry Figure at the Helm: Gautier Brodeo
Gautier Brodeo is a well-known figure in the international transport sector. An engineer by training and now Director of the Operation and Maintenance Development Agency at RATP Group, he brings more than 25 years of experience in running, maintaining and strategically developing major transport systems. His expertise covers complex infrastructure programmes in Paris and international standards in metro and light rail operations.
Brodeo is regarded as a specialist in change management, organisational development and collaborative work with industry, authorities and political stakeholders. In his inaugural statement, he emphasised that he would continue to drive forward the implementation of UITP’s Strategic Plan: “People – staff and customers alike – will remain at the heart of this direction.”
He succeeds Renée Amilcar, who is stepping down early due to her new role as CEO and President of Mobilité Infra Québec. Since 2023, Amilcar has significantly shaped the UITP agenda, particularly in areas such as funding sustainable mobility, strengthening social inclusion in public transport and improving operational resilience. UITP expressed its appreciation for her “inspiring and dedicated leadership”.
A New Deputy President: Sustainability Expert Lilli Matson
With Lilli Matson, UITP gains a Deputy President widely recognised as one of the leading strategists in safety, environmental policy and sustainable urban mobility. Matson currently serves as Chief Safety, Health and Environment Officer at Transport for London, where she plays a key role in the city’s transition to net zero. Under her leadership, London’s long-term strategies on transport, safety and the environment have been developed, including Vision Zero, the decarbonisation agenda and programmes for air quality and active travel.
Her UITP mandate is expected to focus strongly on issues such as climate change, urban resilience, transport safety, ESG criteria and the promotion of healthy and inclusive cities. Matson also brings many years of experience in the international exchange of best practices, particularly in areas such as zero-emission buses, safety culture and risk management in public transport. In addition, she is expected to further strengthen cooperation between transport authorities and industry partners. A particular emphasis is likely to be placed on developing practical strategies for sustainable operational concepts. Matson may also play an important role in providing new momentum for global knowledge sharing within the association.
Implications for UITP’s Global Agenda
The simultaneous appointment of both leaders marks a new phase for UITP:
- A stronger emphasis on operations and maintenance: Brodeo’s RATP background is likely to further advance professional standards in system operations, asset management, metro automation and digital fleet management.
- Climate and safety at the forefront: Matson’s expertise will help align UITP’s global community closely with the European Green Deal, WHO safety goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Impact on member organisations: The new leadership duo signals a clear focus on resilient, safe, low-emission and socially inclusive public transport systems worldwide – including in rapidly growing markets beyond Europe.
Outlook
Between now and the UITP General Assembly in June 2026, Brodeo and Matson will shape implementation of the strategic priorities – among them decarbonisation, digitalisation, workforce development and sustainable funding. For operators, authorities and industry partners, this signals a focused global agenda aimed at strengthening public transport as the backbone of sustainable urban mobility.
UITP stresses that both leaders bring “great energy and international experience” to their new roles. Brodeo and Matson can count on broad support from the association’s 1,900 members across 100 countries.
26.11.2025
