The Transport Action Network (TAN) has announced the appointment of Abby Coften as Chief Executive following the founder of TAN, Chris Todd’s retirement from his Director role after seven years.

Abby, an experienced Chief Executive and sustainable transport advocate, has over 10 years experience in strategic leadership roles in the not-for-profit sector including for environmental, health and education charities.

Abby most recently led Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Hertfordshire, as Chief Executive. Her extensive senior experience of national campaigning, MP engagement and her expertise in communications ideally equip her to take on the leadership of TAN at such a pivotal moment.

She has been at the forefront of challenging the Government on inappropriate planning applications on green spaces, particularly Green Belt. Her petition calling on the Government to review the definition of grey belt in the National Planning Policy Framework started as a local campaign that quickly attracted over 45,000 national signatures. Her work with the London Green Belt Council and their recent joint report to national media highlighted the devastating impact of the government’s introduction of grey belt and received considerable national attention.

(Picture: Transport Action Network)