Translink announces new chief executive with ‘wealth of experience’ in public transport including London's Elizabeth Line
Northern Ireland public transport operator Translink has announced the appointment of a new chief executive.
Gerard Carlin, who has over two decades of experience in the rail, water and oil and gas industries, will take up the post on July 1.
He is currently director of Networks and Innovation for SONI, Northern Ireland’s electricity Transmission System Operator.
An engineer by background, Gerard has held leadership roles at London Underground, Crossrail and Transport for London before joining Northern Ireland Water in 2021 where he worked as head of Transformation.
In 2018, he was part of the leadership team brought in to recover the Crossrail project, and as programme transition director was responsible for the handover of the Elizabeth Line.
Welcoming the appointment, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “Public transport is an essential way of travelling for many across our communities. The development of facilities and services has supported growth in demand and an increase in passenger numbers.
"Gerard brings a wealth of experience from his work in public transport previously and I congratulate him on his appointment as chief executive of Translink. We look forward to working with him closely in this role and I wish him every success as he takes up this important position.”
Chris Conway previously announced his decision to leave the role in 2026 and will stay until the end of June 2026 to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
He has been group chief executive since 2015, having led the organisation through major transformation including most recently the opening of Belfast Grand Central Station, Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub.