METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Virgin Hyperloop One taps former NY MTA chief Walder as CEO

Company focus begins with implementation of the world’s first hyperloop system running from Pune to Mumbai in India.

November 9, 2018
Virgin Hyperloop One taps former NY MTA chief Walder as CEO

Virgin Hyperloop One is focusing on a major current project in India. Photo: Virgin Hyperloop One

2 min to read


Virgin Hyperloop One is focusing on a major current project in India. Photo: Virgin Hyperloop One

Virgin Hyperloop One, developers of a full-scale hyperloop system, announced that Jay Walder has been appointed as its new CEO. Walder will also join the company’s Board of Directors. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World, has been elected as its new chairman.

The selection of a new senior management team will allow Virgin Hyperloop One to transition its focus from technology startup to mass transportation company beginning with implementation of the world’s first hyperloop system running from Pune to Mumbai. The announcement follows the recent announcement of a new round of funding.

Ad Loading...

Walder has served as chairman and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York, CEO of the MTR Corp. in Hong Kong, and managing director at Transport for London. Most recently he ran Motivate, a leader in bike share, before its sale to Lyft. Walder was also a Partner at McKinsey, where he led the Global Infrastructure Practice for the consulting firm.

“I have focused my career on using technology to advance innovation in transportation, so I could not pass up the opportunity to lead the company that has pioneered hyperloop,” said Walder.

Bin Sulayem has over three decades of experience across a wide range of industries. Following the recent financing, DP World will become Virgin Hyperloop One’s largest investor.

The company is focusing on a major current project in India, where the government has recently declared the Pune-Mumbai hyperloop project as a public infrastructure project with international consortium DP World and Virgin Hyperloop One as the original project proponent. If the government ultimately awards it a concession for the project, the company expects to start constructions on the seven-mile test loop in 2019. When completed, hyperloop can reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Pune from about four hours to 25 minutes.

Sultan bin Sulayem replaces Sir Richard Branson, who stepped down last month, while Walder will replace Rob Lloyd, who served as CEO for more than three years and leaves after successfully guiding the company through its largest expansion including creating the first and only hyperloop system, a pipeline of projects globally, and raising substantial funding. During this time, the company has grown and positioned itself as the frontrunner in the hyperloop space. Sir Richard’s board seat will be taken by Virgin’s Patrick McCall.

More Technology

Cover of a Strada 360 guide titled "Turn Transit Data Into Action: How to solve common transit agency pain points with connected technology." The cover features a blurred transit bus, a gray grid background with orange accents, and text describing how connected technology helps transit agencies improve visibility, operational efficiency, maintenance, scheduling, and data-driven decision-making. An orange callout highlights the challenges facing today's transit landscape.
SponsoredAugust 2, 2026

Turn Transit Data Into Action

Discover how leading agencies are using connected technology to gain real-time visibility across operations, improve service reliability, and reduce disruptions.

Read More →
An OCTA ZEB
Technologyby Alex RomanJuly 31, 2026

Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
A CharterUP branded Holon AV
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJuly 31, 2026

CharterUP Expands Into New Mobility and Autonomous Transportation

Vice President of New Mobility Stephen Joos discusses how CharterUP is leveraging its nationwide transportation network, technology platform, and autonomous vehicle partnerships to expand into workforce mobility, campus shuttles, and transit solutions.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driving Change: Award Winners Redefine Industry Standards
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners

Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence

Read More →
Cummins Charts Its Next Move
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 24, 2026

Cummins Introduces Phased Model Year 2027 Launch Strategy

According to officials, the approach is designed to maintain regulatory compliance, support customer production schedules, and provide additional time to ramp production in a disciplined manner that helps ensure a successful transition for the industry.

Read More →
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., named President/CEO at DART
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO

Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Read More →
Maintenance Leadership for a Changing Industry
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders

The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.

Read More →
California High Speed Rail in High Desert Corridor
Railby Alex RomanJuly 21, 2026

California High-Speed Rail Authority Signs MOU to Advance High Desert Corridor

The agreement deepens collaboration between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency, supporting design integration, cost savings, and faster delivery of a key Southern California rail link.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
TechnologyJuly 20, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →