South Africa annual lecture - rail

Jean-Marc Bedmar

Jean-Marc Bedmar is a chartered engineer with 30 years of experience in public transport project engineering.

He started his carrier in SNCF (French railways) working in the field of telecommunications for high speed, suburban and freight projects.

He joined then Systra (International engineering branch of SNCF and RATP), getting involved in more than 30 projects in 15 countries, notably in Latvia, Vietnam, Iran, India and Saudi Arabia.

He got experience in Africa working for Ethiopian, Mauritanian and Algerian railways.

Since 2017, he is chief engineer for Rail Baltica project, responsible for the design of railway systems, the definition of the train services and preparation of the operation and maintenance phase.

Prof. Dr. Sabih Gatea Khisaf

Dr. Sabih has extensive experience in the design and construction of civil and heavy civil infrastructure projects, such as Heathrow Terminal 5 in London, Khalifa Port and Khalifa Industrial Zone in Abu Dhabi, Metro operation, London Underground (Tube Lines, London), program management for the development of multi-mode transit systems, the Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Public Transport Program, Metro Design, Doha Metro and recently, head of engineering with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies MENA Region.

Dr. Sabih is well known in the GCC region for his contribution to the construction industry within the region, he is a regular contributor to the regional industry events a keynote speaker, presenter or as conference host.

Dr. Sabih is a Charted Civil Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (UK), also, he is the Institution of Civil Engineers Council Member for Middle East and Africa.

He sits on several Universities Industry Advisory Bords advising, supporting the universities in their education activities. He is Honorary Professor at Heriot-Watt University.

Andy Stanley

Andy Stanley has a proven history of success in negotiating high-worth contracts and spearheading multiple projects concurrently, ensuring completion within time and budgetary constraints.

Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in designing effective infrastructure for tunnelling, rail, and utilities sector. Optimise costs from inception to completion of contracts. Well-versed in leading large cross-functional teams, managing programme/project activities, and driving working efficiencies.