Stephen Cooper

Senior Operations and Transport Executive with over 25 years' experience leading operational performance, business transformation, regulatory compliance, governance, risk management, and commercial strategy across transport, infrastructure, financial services, consulting, and international investment organisations.

Holder of the Transport Manager CPC (Passenger Transport) with direct responsibility for PSV operations, fleet compliance, maintenance systems, driver management, Operator Licence compliance, and regulatory engagement. Successfully led the implementation of a comprehensive compliance improvement programme to satisfy Traffic Commissioner audit requirements and strengthen operational governance within a London passenger transport business.

Combining hands-on transport operations expertise with extensive executive-level leadership experience as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Investment Manager and Director, bringing a unique blend of operational leadership, commercial management, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and organisational development capabilities.

Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, implement robust operational systems and controls, drive continuous improvement programmes, manage regulatory audits, develop high-performing cultures, and deliver sustainable business growth in complex and highly regulated environments.

See-London.co.uk Ltd June 2025 to Present

Operations Manager and Transport Manager

Responsible for the operational management and regulatory compliance of a London-based PSV operator providing sightseeing and tourism services

Key Achievements

• Led a comprehensive operational and compliance improvement programme following findings from a Traffic Commissioner desk-based audit
• Designed and implemented revised operational procedures, compliance controls, maintenance oversight processes, and management reporting systems
• Strengthened Operator Licence compliance framework and successfully prepared the business for regulatory audit
• Introduced enhanced governance processes covering drivers' hours, maintenance management, record keeping, and operational monitoring
• Provide leadership across transport operations, fleet management, driver supervision, supplier relationships, and customer service delivery
• Obtained Transport Manager CPC (Passenger Transport)

University for the Creative Arts January 2023 to June 2025

Attendance and Engagement Officer

Responsible for the development and implementation of engagement monitoring systems across multiple campuses.

Key Achievements

• Led implementation of institution-wide monitoring and reporting systems supporting compliance with UKVI requirements
• Developed operational procedures, reporting frameworks and management controls
• Successfully supported removal of regulatory action plan risks associated with international student sponsorship compliance

GEM Management Limited May 2022 to October 2022

Chief Financial Officer

Executive leadership role within an international investment and natural resources business.

Key Achievements

• Led commercial analysis, strategic planning and financial evaluation of acquisition opportunities
• Secured debt financing facilities valued at US$150 million
• Managed external advisors, legal teams, and senior stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions
• Implemented governance, reporting and performance management processes supporting strategic decision-making

SPV April 2022

Chief Operating Officer and Director

• An SPV for the purpose of Colombian Emerald Mines acquisition

Key Achievements

• Directed operational due diligence and commercial evaluation of international acquisition opportunities
• Led negotiations with stakeholders and coordinated multidisciplinary teams across legal, financial and technical disciplines
• Managed project planning, risk assessment and investment execution activities

Greenstone Capital August 2018 to May 2020

Senior Investment Manager

• Greenstone Capital is a UK based Global Private Equity Fund focussed on feasibility stage mining investment with over US$0.4 billion AUM.

Key Achievements

• Led portfolio company performance reviews and strategic improvement initiatives
• Supported operational optimisation and growth planning across multiple international businesses
• Developed governance frameworks, reporting systems and executive performance monitoring processes
• Managed stakeholder relationships with investors, boards and senior management teams

CD Capital May 2014 to July 2018

Technical Director

• CD Capital a UK based Global Private Equity Fund focussed on mining with over US$0.6 billion AUM

Key Achievements

• Led operational, commercial and technical due diligence programmes for major investment transactions
• Managed multidisciplinary teams across international projects
• Delivered strategic reviews, risk assessments and operational improvement recommendations

Earlier Career

Principal Business Analyst – Mining Services, Parsons Brinckerhoff

Associate Director - Corporate Finance, Mining, Investec Bank plc

Vice President Corporate Development, Dragon Group limited

Business Analyst, Adastra Minerals Inc

Throughout these roles, developed extensive experience in operational management, governance, commercial leadership, stakeholder engagement, project delivery, business transformation, and performance improvement across international organisations.

BSc Geology

Transport Manager CPC (Passenger Transport)

Securities & Investment Institute Level 3 Certificate in Corporate Finance

Corporate Finance Programme – London Business School

Advanced Financial Modelling Training

Technical & Financial Appraisal of Mining Projects – Imperial College