Maria Machancoses

Maria Machancoses is the Chief Executive of Midlands Connect - the sub-national Transport Body (STB) for the Midlands. Representing a region of more than 10 million people, Midlands Connect brings together 22 local transport authorities, civic and business leaders to strategically shape the region’s transport network.

Maria has been instrumental in the success and development of Midlands Connect, having helped establish it in 2014. Under her leadership, Midlands Connect has published the first landmark 25-year transport strategy for the region and is now progressing with multi-million infrastructure programmes including the £1.5bn flagship project - Midlands Rail Hub.

As part of her role, she also leads the policy and research activities on crucial agendas such as Alternative Fuels, Freight and Rural Mobility. This work has led to the delivery of “Supercharging the Midlands” - the first roadmap to the acceleration of EV and Hydrogen infrastructure across the Midlands.

Maria was rewarded “Outstanding Contribution to Transport” by the Transport Times in 2019. With over than 25-years of experience, she has a track-record of brokering innovative multi-disciplinary partnerships to expand co-ordination and joint-working cross regions and has vast experience in participating in international platforms including EMTA (European Metropolitan Transport Association) and UITP (International Association of Public Transport).

Maria holds a Degree in Law from the University of Valencia (Spain), as well as a Masters Degree in International Transport (University of Cardiff, Wales).