Jonathan Murray has been formally appointed as the permanent managing director of Zemo Partnership, transitioning from his previous role as acting managing director as the organisation enters a new phase.

Murray will continue to lead the independent not-for-profit organisation’s focus on transport decarbonisation, building on his interim tenure.

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the transition to net zero transport. The Climate Change Committee’s latest progress report highlighted the need to accelerate decarbonisation across the sector, noting that although electric vehicle adoption continues to grow strongly, surface transport emissions increased slightly in 2025.

As responsibility for transport policy increasingly shifts to combined authorities, the need for practical, place-based decarbonisation strategies and policy solutions is becoming ever more important. The new Prime Minister has committed to giving more power to local areas, reinforcing the growing role that regional and local decision-makers will play in delivering the transition to net zero transport.

Murray said: “When I began working in transport decarbonisation, modern electric vehicles were still in their infancy – there were only a handful of quirky prototypes on our roads. Now battery electric cars are in the mainstream; about a third of new cars sold in recent months are electric.

“But the message from the Climate Change Committee couldn’t be clearer. There are still significant challenges to overcome. We need to see a just transition that works across all road transport modes and uses all technological pathways. I look forward to working with Zemo Partnership colleagues, members and stakeholders to tackle these challenges and break down remaining barriers, working in partnership to complete this historic mission.”

Under Murray’s leadership, Zemo will take forward a range of initiatives and programmes, in partnership with members.

A primary focus is placed on driving the decarbonisation of all road transport modes by implementing locally tailored solutions that simultaneously stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and foster regional regeneration. To guide this transition effectively, the group is building an achievable, industry-led roadmap for all road transport sectors, alongside shaping forward-thinking policies designed to deliver a faster and more inclusive transition to electric vehicles.

In Wales, specific targeted action is underway through the delivery of the Moving to Zero (Symud I Sero) programme, which focuses on accelerating the decarbonisation of commercial vehicle operations.

Finally, the strategic vision extends beyond traditional roadways by expanding the role of high-blend sustainable fuels and scaling business activities into the aviation, heat, power, and marine sectors.

Commenting on Murray’s appointment, Philip Sellwood CBE, chair of Zemo Partnership’s Board, said: “Jonathan brings a wealth of experience to his new role and a strong track record of working productively with private-sector organisations to decarbonise road transport. He takes the reins at an exciting moment for Zemo Partnership as we develop relationships with a UK government under new leadership, the devolved nations and regional decision-makers.”