Chris Founds

Chris Founds is a leading voice in the convergence of digital infrastructure, highways, planning, and placemaking - and Managing Director at CJ Founds Associates - a leading Digital, Placemaking and Transport SME Consultancy.

With over 30 years of senior-level executive experience spanning both the public and private sectors, Chris has delivered major transport and digital infrastructure projects for over 20 local authorities. His roles have included Highways Director, Digital Programme Manager for Liverpool City Region CA and Greater Manchester CA, Operations Director and Business Director, alongside various advisory positions and project roles for Clients, projects and initiatives.

Chris Founds is a leading voice in the convergence of digital infrastructure, highways, planning, and placemaking. 

His expertise drives forward critical conversations across the industry, while the pioneering programmes he leads in collaboration with forward-thinking local authorities, are delivering transformational impact at the citizen level. 

These initiatives include trailblazing digital projects like the GMCA 5GIR programme – bring place, energy and transport together; the St Helens Digital Infrastructure Project – which is providing Town Centre open access fibre networks; the LCR Connect project linking backhaul fibre across Liverpool City Region to connect businesses; the Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group working alongside 6 local authority bodies; and other placemaking programmes such as the  Burgess Hill Growth programme with Mid Sussex District Council.

With over 30 years of senior-level executive experience spanning both the public and private sectors, Chris has delivered major transport and digital infrastructure projects. His roles have included Highways Director, Programme Manager for Liverpool City Region CA and Greater Manchester CA, Operations and BD Director, and various advisory positions for Clients.

A Civil Engineer by background and more recently specialising in advisory, project and programme management, Chris has guided a range of high-profile digital and transport infrastructure projects for Combined Authorities, National Transport Bodies, County Councils, Contractors, and Consultants. His work is characterised by a confident and trusted approach to delivering complex infrastructure initiatives, driving value for public sector bodies, developing innovation and creating real world outcomes that benefit society.

In addition to his technical expertise, Chris is passionate about knowledge-sharing and professional development and has been a leading speaker at industry conferences. He leads the CJ Founds Associates training and skills academy, fostering the next generation of industry talent. As Co-Owner and Lead Managing Consultant at CJ Founds Associates, he continues to shape the future of digital infrastructure delivery, involved with £m of funded programmes and initiatives.