Stadler US named Lauren Cochran its new head of sales and business development, North America.
Cochran will lead all commercial aspects of Stadler’s business to support its expansion in the North American market.
Lauren Cochran Joins Stadler US
As head of sales and business development, North America, she will lead all commercial aspects of Stadler’s business to support its expansion in the North American market.
April 22, 2024
In 2017, Lauren Cochran joined Proterra, where she enthusiastically helped agencies make the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Photo: Proterra/METRO
2 min to read
“Stadler has demonstrated unmatched commitment to its customers through quality, safety, and investment in cutting-edge technology including hydrogen and battery trains,” said Cochran via her LinkedIn page. “I’m looking forward to this new ride. Let’s roll!”
Cochran Bringing Experience to Stadler
Previously, Cochran served as VP, North American sales, at Proterra Inc.
However, her career in transit spans back to 2009, when she joined West Covina, Calif.’s Foothill Transit as a sr. operations analyst. During her tenure at Foothill Transit, Cochran co-led the implementation of 100% battery-electric buses, which was the first commercial deployment of modern, purpose-built electric transit buses in North America.
As a researcher at the Texas Transportation Institute after leaving Foothill, she partnered with the Texas DOT to launch the first automated and connected vehicle proving ground transportation for public transit, before landing at Houston METRO where she served as director, contracted operations, and later director of innovation.
In 2017, Cochran joined Proterra, where she enthusiastically helped agencies make the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
“We’re all part of nature, whether we think of ourselves as an environmental advocate or not,” Cochran told METRO Magazine last year. “I feel deeply rooted to natural spaces and am happiest outside. Zero-emission transportation is a key lever to reduce emissions from this sector to help the broader fight to protect this incredible planet, our only home.”
Stadler’s Experience
Stadler, a provider of mobility solutions in rail vehicle construction, service, and signaling, has its corporate headquarters in Bussnang, Switzerland and US headquarters in Salt Lake City. It has a workforce of around 14,000 based in various production and engineering locations as well as more than 80 service locations.
The company’s product range in the field of mainline railways and city transport includes high-speed trains, intercity trains, regional and suburban trains, metros, tramways, and trams. Stadler also manufactures mainline locomotives, shunting locomotives, and passenger carriages.
More Management
Transit Unplugged Celebrates 400 Episodes
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
Read More →
NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
Read More →
APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
Read More →
Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Read More →
FTA Invests $100M to Strengthen Transit for 2026 World Cup
The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.
Read More →
ENC Names New VP of Transit Sales
John Obert previously served as regional sales manager for ENC since joining the company in June 2025.
Read More →
New 2026 Plan Aims to Expand Transportation Access Across Virginia
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.
Read More →
Via Launches Mayors Council to Accelerate Transit Innovation Nationwide
A new advisory group of current and former city leaders will collaborate on funding strategies, technology deployment, and best practices to modernize U.S. public transit systems.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Wraps Inaugural Navigate Mentorship Program,
The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education.
Read More →
WMATA Expands U-Pass Program
Approved as part of WMATA’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.
Read More →