Campaign for Better Transport has appointed Ben Plowden, former director of the active travel charity Living Streets, as its next chief executive.

Plowden succeeds Paul Tuohy, who announced last year that he would retire in spring after five years leading the transport charity.

Plowden brings more than 30 years of experience with the transport and charity sector, having been the first director of Living Streets between 1997 and 2002.

He also worked at senior level in Transport for London for nearly 20 years between 2002 and 2021. 

Plowden works as an associate for PA Consulting, a post he has held since 2022.

He is the chair of the Transport Planning Society, a visiting professor at University College London and a senior associate at the London School of Economics.

Plowden said: “Better transport – transport that is safe, accessible, integrated and affordable – is essential to improving people’s quality of life and meeting the key challenges we face, including tackling social exclusion, improving productivity and decarbonising the economy.

“Campaign for Better Transport plays a critical role in improving transport for everyone and I’m delighted to be taking up the role of its chief executive.” 

Shamit Gaiger, chair of Campaign for Better Transport, said of Plowden: “His proven leadership in transport, strategic vision, and commitment to effect a change to better our society make Ben the ideal person to lead our organisation into its next chapter.”

Plowden will take up his new role on 3 March.