Our Team

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.

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.

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 in charge of Operations, 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.

Mohd Emous is a seasoned marketing professional with over 25 years of experience across the Middle East and North Africa, including extensive work in Kuwait, Dubai, Turkey, Jordan, Georgia, and Armenia.

Mohd has worked with, and consulted to ROMIC Group, on a number of international rail infrastructure projects, and now brings his skills and contacts to develop our business in the Middle East and in Africa.

With extensive experience managing marketing operations for both private and governmental projects, Mohd specialises in structuring and executing complex barter trade agreements involving commodities such as oil and gold. Highly skilled in market development, strategic partnerships, and high-level negotiations across diverse international markets.

Fluent in Arabic and English.

After a long period of working with ROMIC on a consultancy basis, Simon joined the team full time in 2024, and now heads up our hire fleet and marketing activities..

With a background in technical sales, and in designing and managing marketing campaigns across traditional and new media, Simon brings a wealth of experience gained in a number of industrial sectors.

Simon’s key skills include identifying opportunities, developing client and supplier relationships, a thorough understanding of the product and marketplace, strategic planning, and an ability to match client expectations with market supply. On the marketing front, years of experience in brand development and web marketing – and a keen attention to detail – ensures that all ROMIC Group’s marketing activities and client documentation reach a consistent and high standard.

Simon is also actively involved in mentoring and developing new sales team members.

No two days at ROMIC are alike, and it is the variety and challenges posed by the work; dealing with suppliers and clients across the world, and the technical and logistical challenges posed by moving rolling stock from one country to another that Simon finds particularly rewarding. Proud of ROMIC’s growth and diversification, Simon has played a key role in elevating the company’s national and international profile.

Cory Smith is a young, dedicated and results-oriented project and sales manager, who has gained a lot of experience throughout his career so far.

Cory demonstrates a keen ability to identity market opportunities and develop strategic sales initiatives. His ability to cultivate long-term client relationships and his understanding of industry trends have consistently contributed to the success of his projects.

Some of Cory’s key business strengths are problem solving, being able to adapt quickly to change and thrive in dynamic environments, building relationships with clients and colleagues, resilience, and communication skills.

Having been close to rail sector most of my life, I understand the complications that can often come with it, because of this it is even more rewarding when we know our clients are happy with service we provide.

Paula joined the ROMIC team in 2025, at a time when we are undergoing considerable expansion and required the skills of an experienced business manager to implement and guide the processes and procedures that will facilitate our growth.

With a background in fast-paced, large-scale business environments, Paula has worked in sectors including recruitment and training, hospitality, logistics, commerce and manufacturing.

This breadth of experience has allowed Paula the opportunity to observe and manage the processes around how products and services are designed, produced and – ultimately – distributed to market for consumers to take advantage of. This experience, and the skills gained, will prove invaluable in the complex international projects that ROMIC Group undertake.

Paula’s key strengths lie in systems and procedures, planning and implementation, and project management. At all times in her career Paula’s focus has been on forging strategic partnerships, working to targets, and achieving key SLAs and KPIs to ensure her clients receive a quality, timely service.

Highlights of Paula’s career have included playing an instrumental role in setting up new sites and facilities, and implementing the infrastructure and behind the scenes processes that run a business. Paula was honoured to work with Northamptonshire Council in 1997 to organise the Marshalls that lined the streets for Princess Diana’s final journey before being laid to rest in the grounds of Althorp House.

The service industry has taught Paula that no two days are the same, and that clear concise communication, written or verbal, is the key to success.

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.

Roy joins ROMIC Group after a long and successful career spanning the Royal Air Force and the power generation industry.

Roy’s career began aged 16 in the RAF where he served 23 years as a Propulsion Technician, supervising the maintenance and rectification of aircraft engines and fuel systems, as well as the running of a multi aircraft flight line.

After leaving the RAF, Roy began work in power generation. His engineering background and management experience saw him promoted to the Operations Manager of an 820 MW CCGT facility with responsibility for plant safety and large-scale improvements in efficiency. In his 22 years in the industry Roy has gained a depth of knowledge of commissioning of large-scale mechanical and electrical installations, compliance, Quality Management Systems, safe systems of work, training, and delivering on budget. As quality manager for the plant’s QMS Roy was responsible for ensuring compliance under ISO 9001, 14001, 18001 and PAS99.

In 2018 Roy took on the role of Plant Manager for a new-build Biomass plant which he oversaw from completion to commissioning; including hiring, setting up parts storage and computer maintenance systems, and implementing a safe system of work.

An outstanding leader, Roy is reliable and flexible, and brings the attention to detail demanded by a complex role involving compliance and safety. These skills are all key to ensuring ROMIC Group’s sustained growth where safety, and employee wellbeing is at the core of everything we do.

Bill has worked in procurement since he was 21 and brings a lifetime of experience, and a global network of contacts, to ROMIC Group.

Bill’s career began in electronics and MOD projects; a move to the Midlands saw him join Brush Traction and the beginning of an impressive career in rail procurement. As Senior Buyer, Bill was involved in both EMU / DMU and mainline locomotive manufacture, whilst purchasing for projects including classes 60, 465 and 92, the Euro Shuttle, Hong Kong MTRC, class 57 modifications, L.U.L. and the D.L.R.

Further career progression saw Bill promoted to Spares and Repairs Manager supporting a dedicated repair facility and overseeing the supply of spares to global customers.

Bill has since worked for a number of multinational companies including Caterpillar, as Supply Chain Performance Engineer, attaining Six Sigma Green Belt Certification; and Rolls Royce Marine as Procurement Officer on various MOD projects.

As well as key involvement in numerous large-scale projects, Bill has worked with smaller companies to improve their process and standards. He recently enabled an employer to achieve ISO14001 accreditation, and performed supplier evaluations to ensure they met the stringent standards to meet the demands of ISO9001.

Bill’s skills encompass both direct and indirect procurement, where he encourages customer / supplier engagement and the forging of strong, mutually beneficial, relationships.

Bill is looking forward to the challenges ahead, and to working with ROMIC Group’s existing global network, as well creating links with new vendors.

Claudio is an exceptionally experienced and highly qualified locomotive engineering professional.

With 40 years in the rail industry, Claudio began his career as a locomotive driver, hauling passenger and heavy freight trains through the spectacular, and steep, terrain of Chile, Perú and Argentina.

After nearly 20 years of driving, Claudio made the move to locomotive crew trainer, then to a consultancy and technical sales role, and latterly to consultant lead engineer on a variety of locomotive and wagon projects. Within this capacity he is able to combine his mechanical engineering qualifications, real-world railway experience and his strengths in mentoring and project management to deliver complex projects to a diverse range of railway clients.

Claudio has worked across South America, in Canada, Europe and in the Middle East, on projects ranging from feasibility studies, and delivery of training packages, to locomotive life-extension and re-manufacture, to the design and overseeing the build of brand-new locomotives and freight wagons.

An Argentinian national, now resident in Chile, Claudio is a fluent Spanish and English speaker, and brings to ROMIC his experience, enthusiasm, and extensive connections both within South America and internationally.

Claudio is actively involved in all ROMIC Group’s international locomotive projects, where his professionalism and attention to detail ensure timely delivery and complete client satisfaction. He is still qualified as a train driver in both Chile and Argentina.