Independent Counsel forTransport & Infrastructure
Strategic advisory, M&A support, and interim leadership for rail, mobility and infrastructure businesses. Vendor-agnostic guidance from someone who's sat in your chair, on both sides of the table.
Turning Complexity
Into Clarity.
Troubled programme? Vendor dispute? Deal on the table? Leadership gap? I've been there.
Independent Technical Review
From feasibility studies to technical due diligence, I provide impartial assessment of rolling stock, signalling and infrastructure programmes, with no vendor affiliations. I also test vendor claims and validate technology business cases against operational reality, so investment decisions hold up under scrutiny. For larger reviews I draw on a trusted network of independent specialists.
Track record: Advised on technical due diligence and organisational restructuring for global rail clients at Interfleet and Ricardo, and identified a 30% overestimate in a client's digital transformation vendor projections.
M&A & Investment Due Diligence
I've worked both sides of the table, private equity, trade sales and asset transactions, structuring due diligence programmes that identify hidden risks and support deal completion from LOI to close. The same rigour applies to business cases and cost reduction programmes: I challenge assumptions and find efficiency others miss.
Track record: Private equity experience on both buy-side and sell-side, and led Six Sigma-driven cost efficiency programmes across 50+ projects at Alstom.
Interim Executive Leadership
When a critical leadership gap emerges, I step in as an experienced executive, maintaining operational continuity while you find the right permanent solution. For larger engagements I draw on a trusted network of independent specialists.
Track record: Deputised for the outgoing CEO at Porterbrook, maintaining stakeholder confidence through the transition.
Vendor & Partner Assessment
With experience on buyer and seller sides of major transactions, I give clients an honest, independent read on a vendor or partner before they commit, from contract disputes through to strategic partnerships.
Track record: Negotiated complex commercial agreements across cultures and continents, and closed a £100m speculative rolling stock investment generating £750m in long-term revenue.
Market Entry Strategy
I provide hands-on support entering new markets or segments, drawing on my network to open doors, assess opportunities and accelerate market penetration, translating strategy into action rather than leaving it on the page.
Track record: Expanded Alcatel-Lucent's transport business into Latin America, the Middle East and Asia, and created a 3-pillar strategy at Ricardo that increased order intake by 25%+.
Board Advisory & Governance
I offer independent programme oversight and board-level counsel: rescuing troubled projects, structuring winning bids, and giving leadership teams the validation that comes from having sat on a main board myself.
Track record: Led the £50m Virgin Voyager project through design, tender and delivery, and held a main board position at Porterbrook defining go-to-market strategy for assets worth around £300m.
"After 25 years on the inside, I know what questions to ask, and which answers to trust. That independence is what clients value most."
Honest counsel from someone who's navigated the complexity firsthand.
Trusted PartnerNetwork.
I've built a trusted network of independent specialists, each an expert in their field, ready to contribute to larger projects when needed. From feasibility study through to operations and closure, I cover the complete lifecycle, and I choose partners who share my ethos: client satisfaction and trust at the heart of everything.
Full Lifecycle Support
From feasibility study or deal inception through to operations and closure, I cover the complete project lifecycle.
Expert Network
Access to a trusted network of independent specialists, each an expert in their field, ready to contribute to larger projects.
Client-First Ethos
Trust and client satisfaction at the heart of how I work, with partners who share those values.
Flexible Engagement
Per task, per project or programme, or as a retained adviser, helping when and where necessary.
Ready to
Begin?
If you need independent counsel on a transaction, a fresh perspective on strategy, or experienced leadership for a critical period, let's talk.
- Independent Advisory
- £200m+ P&L Ownership
- Both Sides of the Table
Olivier André
Partner • Managing Consultant • Founder
Education & Capability
Multidisciplinary
Excellence Since 1996.
Olivier is a strategic and results-driven executive with 25+ years across transport, rail and telecommunications. He specialises in M&A, commercial strategy and providing the independent counsel that comes from having led businesses on multiple sides of the industry.
Having held senior roles across operators, lessors, technology suppliers, and consultancies, Olivier provides the "fresh pair of eyes" that only comes from genuine cross-sector experience.
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Mergers, Acquisitions & Investment: Experience across private equity, trade sales and asset transactions, both buying and selling
Independent Technical Counsel: Deep understanding of rolling stock, digital systems and infrastructure programmes
Multi-Cultural & Global Experience: Led teams across Europe, Asia and North America; worked with governments and the private sector globally
Commercial Negotiation: Track record on both sides of major contracts and transactions
Industry Credibility: Speaker, contributor and trusted voice across the rail sector
"I'm passionate about enabling teams to 'dance together' in orchestrated, data-driven ecosystems where foresight replaces firefighting."
"Olivier is always able to gain the support of others to see an opportunity through to a successful conclusion, testament to his personality, leadership skills and engaging style. He is commercially very strong and will always understand the target market and have first-hand knowledge of the key players."
"I admire his ability to successfully lead teams in adverse conditions. His profound knowledge of the business and proactive mindset give him a strong strategic advantage. An excellent team player with a natural way of building bridges across different cultures."
"His professionalism, deep market and technical knowledge, enthusiasm and determination played a key role in increasing Alcatel-Lucent's footprint in this market. I have no hesitation in recommending Olivier for a senior leadership role."
Hitachi Digital Services
2021 - 2024- Increased annual revenue by 20% YOY and secured an $8m contract with a new UK client
- Spearheaded the 'One Hitachi' transport strategy, developing a $50m+ pipeline across EMEA
- Led the integration of GlobalLogic's AI & software capabilities into transport solutions
- Combined Hitachi's extensive OT and IT capability to drive digital transformation
Tractic
Nov 2019 - PresentAdvisory practice paused during full-time executive roles (2021-2024); active engagements resumed 2024.
- Independent strategy and M&A advisory for rail and infrastructure clients
- Delivered cost reduction programmes in rolling stock maintenance
- Developed and licensed Rail Booking software solution, securing Innovate UK funding
Ricardo Rail
2018 - 2019- P&L holder for multi-discipline consultancy (~£10m revenue, ~100 staff across 5 UK offices)
- Created and implemented 3-pillar strategy: Operational Excellence, Customer-Focused Culture, Cross-Group Collaboration
- Increased order intake by 25%+ and created new services in Digital Railway and Asset Management
- Developed intra-group pipeline of ~£5m opportunities
Porterbrook Leasing
2015 - 2018- Main board position defining go-to-market strategy for existing assets and new investments (~£300m)
- Closed a £100m speculative rolling stock investment, generating £750m in long-term revenue
- Deputised for outgoing CEO as external face of company to customers and stakeholders
- Led commercial team on transactions of £100m+ each
Worldline UK&I
2014 - 2015- Accountability for team of ~20 covering account management, sales, bids and proposals
- Achieved revenue targets for two consecutive quarters
- Led mobile ticketing & digital transport solutions for major UK rail operators
Alcatel-Lucent (Now Nokia)
2008 - 2014- Grew and transformed the business from Equipment Supplier to System Integrator
- Set and delivered business strategy for Railways, Highways and Airports globally
- Expanded into Latin America, the Middle East & Asia
- Contributor to rail telecoms standards & UIC working groups
Thales UK
2005 - 2008- General Manager with full P&L responsibility for Thales Transportation UK
- Turned around customer perception & financial performance of major transport projects
- Led UK telecoms infrastructure projects, including GSM-R for Channel Tunnel Rail Link
Interfleet Technology
2003 - 2005- Advised on technical due diligence & organisational restructuring for global rail clients
- Business development and account management for international consultancy services
Alstom Transport
1996 - 2003- Promoted to Director by age 28
- Led the £50m Virgin Voyager train project and multiple international tenders & upgrades
- Ultimately held P&L responsibility for £200m portfolio (50+ projects, 40+ staff)
- Project manager for High Speed Train equipment (Korea, Eurostar)
- Spearheaded Six Sigma-driven cost efficiency programmes
Connect
With Us
Need independent counsel? Tractic offers the detached perspective that's hard to find when everyone has an agenda.
Staffordshire, United Kingdom