In September 2002, Maggie Bellis joined Transport for London as the Managing Director Group Services, “a dizzy making height in my career that I never dreamed I would achieve”.

As a child Maggie frequently moved homes and schools, often living abroad. This gave her an appetite for change and for other cultures that has stayed with her throughout her life. Her career aspiration was to be a stewardess with BOAC. Every year from the age of 16 she would send in her application form. Eventually, she says, “I think I must have worn them down!”.

Maggie remains a firm fan of British Airways. The airline gave her “all the opportunities anyone could wish for”. She frequently “changed careers” within the airline, learning new skills and developing invaluable experience. “ British Airways helped me to be the person I am today”. Her career with BA ranged from front line customer service roles to senior technical management posts. “Customer service is in my blood, not in a superficial way, but absolutely and utterly running through my veins.” The mantra from her days with BA that has really stayed with her is “if you are not serving the customer, you better be serving someone who is”. The fundamental belief behind that phrase put the traditional organisation chart on it’s side. “I have carried with me a passion for people ever since.” Maggie believes that although we may sit in elevated glory at the ‘top’ of organisations, we should never forget that every single person’s contribution is vital. An organisation IS its people. “So many people say that but how many truly believe it and act accordingly?”

“Much as I loved BA I knew that I wanted to ‘test my mettle’ outside, in the big wide world”. Despite protestations from friends and colleagues she left BA in late 1999 taking up her first role as a Director at DHL. Her chosen field was Human Resources, because she believes that people are the heart of a business and wanted to be where she could really make a difference.

It was due to the persuasive powers of Bob Kiley, Commissioner of Transport for London that she now finds herself at the heart of this great city. With group responsibilities for Human Resources, Procurement, Information Management, Property and Facilities for this complex and exciting organisation, Maggie firmly believes that everyone is capable of great things. Another BA mantra comes to mind. ‘The world favours the brave’.