andrew foster
autonomous ideas was created by Andrew Foster in 2009 to provide project management and executive coaching services. Previously, Andrew was a director with Autonomous Consulting for six years.
Andrew has eighteen years operational and strategic experience in the UK rail market. He joined London Underground as a Graduate Trainee in 1991 his seven years with the company culminating in the position of Business Manager of the Victoria Line; responsible for managing some of the busiest transport locations in the world.
He joined the heavy rail sector in 1998 as Station Manager, Paddington. Andrew’s range of operational roles included the position of Customer Services Operations Manager where he was responsible for all customer-facing staff employed by a major Intercity TOC. As Strategic Projects Manager for a major UK transport group he project managed five bids for rail franchises before setting up Autonomous Consulting in 2002.
Autonomous Consulting specialised in rail bid management and the mobilisation of new rail franchise. Andrew led multi-national project teams bidding for rail franchises and project managed the creation of the TransPennine Express, South West Trains and National Express East Coast franchises.
He is an experienced interim manager and has worked for both the Strategic Rail Authority and Department for Transport as the franchise manager for the Central, Thameslink, One and National Express East Coast franchises. He has also undertaken interim senior management positions for a number of train operating companies.
In 2008 he set up the autonomous coaching practice, offering executive coaching to leaders and senior managers. His coaching practice is informed by his extensive experience of management, leadership and consultancy and he focuses on helping his clients achieve real, lasting change.
Andrew has an MBA from Ashridge Business School and is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Executive Coaching.