Kelly Burdall

Strategic leader with 20+ years of progressive experience driving organisational change, digital transformation, and operational excellence across consulting, asset management, and infrastructure. Proven ability to advance from operational delivery into executive leadership, shaping global strategies and embedding innovation across complex organisations. Trusted advisor to boards and senior stakeholders, recognised for delivering sustainable growth, building high-performing teams, and aligning transformation programmes with long-term business objectives.

• Launched global practices in Asset Management, Digital, Net Zero, and Resilience within COO office.
• Delivered UK&I Data Academy, building digital capability across Transportation.
• Shaped commercial models and pricing strategies to support sustainable growth.
• Led wellbeing programme for Gade Valley Viaduct, embedding safety and sustainability across supply chain.

• AtkinsRéalis Consulting, Programme Director, Strategy & Advisory, 01/2023, Present, Partner with global and regional leaders to define value propositions and growth strategies., Advise boards on investment priorities, competitive positioning, and capability development., Lead KPI tracking and root-cause analysis to inform executive decision-making., Shape global pricing strategies, ensuring commercial resilience and sustainable growth., Digital Transformation Director, 01/2021, 12/2022, Designed and executed digital transformation strategy for Transportation, including Digital Twin adoption., Built commercial models to establish sustainable digital businesses across UK&I., Transitioned practice teams to 'Digital Ready,' aligning resources with strategic priorities., Accountable to Steering Group for portfolio delivery, ensuring benefits realisation and funding alignment.
• Connect Plus Services (M25 DBFO), Head of Quality & Performance, 01/2019, 12/2021, Senior Leadership Team member, responsible for performance delivery across the M25 community., Directed audit, quality, and compliance functions, achieving measurable cost and time savings., Established innovation boards and deployed digital twin technology to enhance operational efficiency., Led Zero Harm and wellbeing programmes, embedding sustainability across the supply chain., Business Improvement & Performance Manager, 01/2013, 12/2018, Directed Lean and performance strategy, embedding continuous improvement culture across operations., Delivered business cases and improvement portfolios for Highways England, securing board-level approval., Managed large teams across audit, quality, and HSEQ functions, driving measurable efficiency gains., Centralised Planning & Strategy Manager, 01/2005, 12/2012, Introduced the first electronic road space booking system, achieving 93% accuracy in network occupancy., Coordinated major widening and all-lane running programmes, ensuring operational excellence., Delivered cost savings through Lean methodologies and embedded efficiency culture.
• EPG Computer Systems, Accounts Assistant, 01/1995, 12/2002, Built strong foundations in financial operations and reporting.