The UK’s Intelligent Transport Systems industry association has celebrated 30 years of supporting better transport through technology, as it acknowledged the near 25-year contribution of retiring Secretary General Jennie Martin.
At a party in London, tributes were paid to Mrs Martin, who described her greatest achievement as building a community that works for the benefit of the entire sector.
Mrs Martin has been a leader in ITS across the globe, growing ITS (UK)’s membership, and services to members, as well as being a major influencer among other national ITS associations. During her tenure, ITS (UK) has not only promoted the use of technology in transport, but also championed, and helped deliver, much greater diversity among the workforce. She joined ITS (UK) assisting the first Secretary General Susan Harvey in 1998 and took over in the role in 2004.
“It has been a privilege to serve the UK ITS community over the past 24 years and I am pleased to leave our association in a good place,” said Mrs Martin. “It is respected for its impartiality and technical expertise not just in the UK but also worldwide. This is just as much due to all the volunteer efforts by the internationally renowned ITS experts who make up our membership, as to the work of us in the team. Leading these joint efforts has been rewarding and also very enjoyable – ITS people are some of the nicest people there are.”
ITS (UK) President Steve Norris described Mrs Martin as “outstanding” in her role, as new CEO Max Sugarman added, “Jennie has been a fantastic leader of ITS (UK), supporting members and the industry tirelessly over the past 20 years, helping them to grow and succeed. She leaves a truly impressive legacy, one that has seen the organisation go from strength to strength.
“I’ve found her support, knowledge and guidance hugely valuable, and know she will be greatly missed by the team and the ITS (UK) family. I wish her the very best for her retirement ahead!”
Dozens of Members joined the party near the ITS (UK) offices, despite the rail strike and freezing conditions.
ITS (UK) also said farewell to Communications Manager Paul Hutton who is stepping down from his part-time position after nearly six years to concentrate on other business interests.
Jennie Martin and Max Sugarman said: “Paul Hutton has built the ITS (UK) communications operation almost from scratch, to the effective engine it now is. He has been a great advocate for ITS, with members can greatly valuing his ability to maximise the reach of their own news stories.
“We are both pleased and saddened that his other interests have taken off to the point where he is leaving to pursue them more fully, but he leaves ITS (UK) as the leading voice of the sector and we wish him the best of the luck for the future.”
(Picture L-R, Steve Norris, Jennie Martin, Paul Hutton, Max Sugarman)
