National Infrastructure Commission appoints ICE Policy Fellow

The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has appointed ICE Policy Fellow Dr Michèle Dix CBE to help advise the UK government as transport and planning expert.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, who appointed Dix last week, said: “We need high quality infrastructure to deliver growth and boost productivity.

“Michèle will help ensure that the National Infrastructure Commission has the right skills and talent to help deliver the infrastructure we need.”

With over 45 years of experience working on transport projects across the public and private sectors, Dr Dix’s advice will help address future transport challenges facing the UK.

“Michèle brings a wealth of knowledge of the transport and planning spheres, and she joins us at an important time just as we publish the second National Infrastructure Assessment,” said Sir John Armitt, chair of the NIC.

“Michèle’s experience in developing world class public transport systems will help inform the commission’s ongoing work advising government on how best to promote economic growth across all regions,” Sir John added.

Her appointment begins on 1 November 2023. In May 2022, ICE trustee Professor Jim Hall was also appointed to the commission, providing expertise in climate and carbon.

Meet Dr Michèle Dix CBE – transport and planning expert

After completing a PhD in transport and land use planning, Dr Dix began her career at the Greater London Council.

She has since worked at Transport for London (TfL) where she developed and delivered the Central London Congestion Charging Scheme with her job share partner.

As managing director of planning, she looked after city-wide strategies, policies and major schemes.

She then became managing director of Crossrail 2 until October 2021.

She is currently a director of the Major Projects Association, a non-executive director of Crossrail International, a visiting professor at the Bartlett School of Planning at University College London and an ICE Policy Fellow.

Working closely with the ICE and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Infrastructure (APPGI), last year Dr Dix helped launch and field questions on the ICE-APPGI joint report on Accelerating the delivery of the Integrated Rail Plan.

Dr Dix is also chair of the ICE Connects: Women in Fellowship focus group and has previously hosted a panel event for the network.

Speaking about the network, Dr Dix said: “You should consider becoming a woman fellow for the opportunities that being a part of that network offers.”