- Work Hard
- 21st May 2025
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Behind the scenes at Nexus: Celebrating women leading the way
- Advertisement Feature
Transport has long been seen as a male-dominated industry, but at Nexus, things are changing.
With a leadership team that’s now 50/50 women, Nexus is proudly redefining what representation in transport looks like and is focused on representing its diverse customer base within its workforce.
Nexus stands out for championing equality and community connection. With the support of Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority (NECA), and major investment in its infrastructure and a brand-new fleet of trains, the future of public transport in the North East is not only brighter — it’s more inclusive than ever.
We go behind the scenes to meet the trailblazers making it happen — from Nexus’ first female Managing Director to a determined woman who rebuilt her career after arriving from Ukraine, and the commercial leader uncovering new revenue opportunities.
MEET CATHY MASSARELLA, THE FIRST FEMALE MANAGING DIRECTOR AT NEXUS
“We want to make public transport great for our environment, economy and communities.”
- Cathy Massarella
Cathy Massarella didn’t set out to run a major transport network. “I started in banking and finance on a graduate scheme,” she says. “But I realised it wasn’t for me.” A sideways step into operations at another leading railway firm opened the door to public transport, and Cathy never looked back. “I sort of fell into it, but I stayed because it matters. We do work that genuinely helps people.”
Now, as the first female Managing Director of Nexus, Cathy brings decades of experience and a grounded, people-first approach. “We’re a public service. Whether it’s someone getting to a job interview, a hospital appointment or just doing the weekly shop – if we didn’t exist, many would struggle. Our people first approach gives me real pride.”
Her rise to a leadership role hasn’t been without challenges, especially in an industry long dominated by men. “Even four years ago, there were no female directors at Nexus. Now our senior team is 50/50, which is important to us as we need to represent our customers.” But still, imposter syndrome creeps in for Cathy. “I don’t think you’re doing leadership right if you don’t question yourself regularly.”
Under her leadership, Nexus has delivered huge projects – from the ongoing roll out of a new fleet to upgrading significant pieces of rail infrastructure, even through covid and extreme weather. “But what I’m proudest of,” she says, “isn’t just the glossy stuff. It’s knowing that we’re there for people, day in, day out, making the North East work for the people who live here. ”
And what advice would Cathy give to the next generation of leading women? “Stay true to your values and seek mentors outside your industry – leadership is universal.”
Cathy’s vision is clear: a more connected, accessible and resilient transport network that serves everyone. “There are challenges ahead,” she says, “but the future is bright thanks to the focus of Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority — and we have a vital role in supporting that.”
HOW JANE HARDING IS REDEFINING REVENUE AT NEXUS
Jane Harding’s journey to her role as Commercial Income Manager at Nexus wasn’t exactly conventional. Starting as a solicitor in Leeds and Sheffield, Jane was deep into private practice when a job advert for a legal role at Nexus caught her eye. “It just sounded different,” she says. “And being originally from the North East, I jumped at the chance to move back.” That leap turned into a decade in Nexus’ legal department, working on major capital projects, litigation and everything in between.
But then Jane spotted a new opportunity. A role in the Commercial Income Team offered her a chance to step away from the reactive nature of legal work and into something more creative, more proactive. “I wanted to be the person starting things – not just advising on them after they’d begun,” she explains.
Today, she leads a small but hard working team that finds ways to generate income beyond ticket sales. Think retail units on station platforms, advertising, land development, and even a newly launched film office that’s already brought cameras and campaign shoots to the Metro. “One day it’s real estate, the next it’s helping a sports fashion brand film on the concourse,” she laughs. “It’s incredibly varied, and that’s what I love.”
Jane isn’t just passionate about her work—she values the work-life balance Nexus supports. “With three children, life’s a constant juggle, but Nexus understands the challenges working parents face. Their flexibility has allowed me to grow professionally while raising a family. I feel supported as a working mother and lucky to enjoy a fulfilled life both at work and at home.”
For Jane, the commercial shift at Nexus is more than business – it’s about place-making. “We’re not just running trains. We’re creating spaces that people want to spend time in, businesses want to invest in, and film crews want to feature.”
And she’s only just getting started – so watch this space.
HOW JULIA KONIVESTS REBUILT HER CAREER AT NEXUS
When Julia Konivets arrived in the North East under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, she brought with her a wealth of experience in HR and training, and plenty of determination to start over.
Just weeks after settling in, fate intervened. While job-hunting, a message from her work coach about a local job fair nudged her in a new direction. “I got there 20 minutes before it ended,” Julia recalls. “Something told me to go.” That instinct led her to Nexus, where two women — Helen Linsley and Sarah Currie — heard her story and encouraged her to apply for an HR role that was closing that very night.
She spent the evening perfecting her application and soon landed a six-month internship. That marked the beginning of a journey that saw her rise through HR, Organisational Development, and now, into her current role as a Procurement Officer.
Today, Julia is thriving. “I love that I still use my HR and OD skills in a new space. Every project is a chance to grow,” she says. She credits Nexus’ supportive culture, especially for women, for helping her rebuild and thrive. “From our Managing Director to department heads, strong female leadership is the norm here.”
With the future of transport evolving, Julia is ready for whatever’s next: “Nexus isn’t just a job – it’s a community. And I’m proud to be part of it.”
If you want to follow these inspirational female leaders’ footsteps at Nexus, check out the Nexus careers page.
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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