Robert Coleman
Chairman
The driving force behind ROMIC Group, Robert Coleman has worked in the rail industry for over 30 years, following six years in the oil and gas sector.
At the age of 15 Robert joined the British Army, and enjoyed an illustrious military career. The discipline and values instilled in him in the Army still hold true, and form the bedrock of how he conducts and manages the business.
Robert was the person to break the monopoly held by GM-EMD over the European market for the supply of spare parts. He took over 80% of GM-EMD business and held it for 22 years. This led him to work with his clients in Europe and Ireland to overhaul and sell their surplus locomotives to the world market as they were removed from service.
Robert’s ethos is treat people with respect and they will return that respect, give them good advice and they will value that advice. Business isn’t just about the sale; it is about the relationship and the building of trust to achieve mutual goals.
A specialist in sourcing, procurement and delivery on an international level, Robert brings a formidable depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to a multi-faceted role. His network and international connections are such that he is the go-to man for anybody looking to buy or sell a locomotive or items of rolling stock.
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Kevin Fisher
Managing Director
A hands-on entrepreneur, Kevin Fisher has an impressive track record in multi-million dollar construction and infrastructure projects across the globe.
Kevin began his career working in civils in the UK, managing the maintenance of heavy machinery for major pipeline and construction projects. He progressed to larger projects in Africa and Asia, and has been involved in everything from construction of dams and ports, to motorways and major industrial sites, to power generation and renewables.
Kevin’s particular expertise is in project logistics, and the lifting, handling and transport of large and heavy pieces of equipment and components. The chances are if an oversize item can be lifted and transported then Kevin has lifted and transported it; and if he hasn’t then he would relish the challenge.
In 2000, having worked extensively in Asia, Kevin identified an opportunity for a provider of cranes and heavy haulage equipment to support the proliferation of major infrastructure projects in the region. This led to him forming Cranes & Equipment Asia, a global leader in turn-key project logistics with operations across Asia, and the largest provider of project logistics in Vietnam.
Kevin joins ROMIC Group as Managing Director, and brings his wealth of experience in freight, logistics and the management of large complex projects to us as our locomotive and rolling stock sales expand globally.
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Mary Coleman
Finance Director
Mary Coleman is a self-motivated and enthusiastic Finance Director, with an aptitude for building strong customer and client relationships. Mary brings to ROMIC Group a wealth of experience gained through a military upbringing, and a varied and successful career across a number of sectors.
Working within administration and management at large retailers, Mary progressed through promotions to System Unit Manager, Duty Manager and Admin Manager for a major supermarket with responsibility for teams managing everything from stock, to health and safety, to the cash office and legalities.
Mary has lived and worked both in the UK and in Asia, and her first-hand experience of international business holds her in good stead in her role within ROMIC Group.
Mary’s key business strengths are attention to detail, an ability to react and respond quickly to challenging situations, and a keen financial acumen in managing and overseeing all aspects of the company’s finances, budgeting, cashflow and administration. She is someone that can work under pressure, and in a very orderly manner.
The rail sector has so many facets to it, being a part of that can be challenging at times, but ultimately very rewarding, and with the satisfaction of knowing that clients and suppliers alike are happy with the outcome.
Mary believes that success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you do you will be successful.
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Ian Cable
Head of Engineering
Ian Cable joined ROMIC Group at an opportune time as our international locomotive sales business expands rapidly into new territories.
With a background in engineering, Ian started his career as a diesel fitter working on buses and coaches. Taking the opportunity to transfer to the rail industry, Ian began working for Arriva Trains Wales as a Craft Interchangeable Technician, progressing to Team Leader and ultimately Depot Duty Manager with overall responsibility for a busy traction maintenance depot.
Ian’s in-depth knowledge of modern traction types saw him transfer to Brush Traction / Wabtec Faiveley UK in 2018, working as a loco test engineer. Further career progression came with a move to Vivarail where Ian worked on emerging battery technologies including commissioning of converted ex-London Underground stock in Pennsylvania. Ian’s most recent role before joining ROMIC Group was with Rail Adventure overseeing the maintenance of their four class 43 HST locomotives.
Ian’s key strengths are his engineering knowledge and skills, natural leadership ability, and his ability to find practical solutions to the issues encountered as rolling stock is sold and moved between countries. Ian is also an experienced Trainer Assessor, and designs and delivers the necessary training and familiarisation packages our clients require to effectively maintain their newly acquired locomotives and rolling stock.
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Joan Gasol
Board of Directors Advisor, South America & Africa
Joan Gasol is an Industrial Engineer with more than 20 years of experience in the railway sector. He started his career in Alstom entering a High Potential Engineer program where he had the opportunity to strengthen his skills in Operations and Strategy.
During his time at Alstom, Joan worked as a bid manager in the service division for the Spanish, Portuguese and South American Markets. Joan oversaw a number of high-profile projects including the overhaul of Spain’s first high-speed train fleet before becoming Market Intelligence and Product and Strategy Manager for Rolling Stock, Service,
Signaling and Infrastructure divisions in the LATAM region.
Following Alstom, Joan joined Talgo, creating two international departments, Market Intelligence and Product and Strategy. Further promotions followed with two years as Asia Pacific Area Manager, and four years as Area Director for the African market and some Middle Eastern countries.
Following his corporate career Joan decided to establish as a freelance Railways Consultant. Combining his extensive experience working within OEMs, with his finance, banking and private equity connections Joan supports OEMs and Tier 1 & 2 suppliers with Strategic Consultancy, Planning and Market Entrance Strategies. Joan is also involved in the second-hand rolling stock business, where his knowledge and industry connections allow him to select the best value for his customers.
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