Mentor
Jacob Kam
Overview
Dr Jacob Kam is a globally respected transport leader with a distinguished executive and board career in rail and infrastructure services, recognised for steering complex, multi-market transport investments and operations in Asia and overseas. He currently serves as Non-executive Chair of MTR Corporation Limited, a world-class rail operator and developer, where he leads the Board in overseeing the Company's business affairs, corporate strategy, governance and the performance of its executive leadership.
In addition, he holds governance positions as Honorary Chair of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), elected Chair of The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Board Director of The Community Chest of Hong Kong.
Jacob’s career at MTR spans over three decades, beginning in 1995 and progressing through management positions across Operations, Projects, and the Chinese Mainland and International Business Units. He was appointed CEO in 2019 and became a member of the Board at the same time. Prior to this, he served as Operations Director from 2011 to 2016 and subsequently as Managing Director – Operations and Mainland Business from 2016.
Earlier in his career, Dr Kam held technical and regulatory leadership roles in the United Kingdom, including as Head of Offshore Structural Integrity at the Health and Safety Executive’s Offshore Safety Division, and as Lecturer at University College London, contributing to advancements in engineering risk management and structural safety.
Dr Kam brings deep cross-sector expertise in:
• Urban transport and mobility – more than three decades of leadership within one of the world’s major rail and transport organisations.
• Infrastructure and engineering – combining an engineering background with senior leadership of complex transport operations and projects.
• International business – leadership experience spanning MTR’s Chinese Mainland and international activities.
• Board governance and strategy – providing strategic oversight as Chairman of MTR Corporation and through senior external governance roles.
• Stakeholder leadership – extensive engagement across business, transport, government and community organisations.
Dr Kam holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Southampton and a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of London. Jacob is a Chartered Engineer (UK) and holds fellowships with The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (Hong Kong), The Hong Kong Management Association, and The Hong Kong Academy of Engineering. In recognition of his contributions to the profession, he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council in 2021.
PDF Profile
Download PDFMajor Career Roles
MTR Corporation Limited
Non-executive Chair
MTR Corporation Limited
Chief Executive Officer
MTR Corporation Limited
Managing Director – Operations and Mainland Business
International Association of Public Transport (UITP)
Honorary Chair
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Chair
Other Career Highlights
The Community Chest of Hong Kong
Board Director
Health and Safety Executive (UK)
Head of Offshore Structural Integrity
MTR Corporation Limited
Operations Director
University College London
Lecturer
Access to an unmatched roster of world-class Mentors
Our unrivalled global roster of board chairs and CEOs offers the seasoned wisdom of proven world-class leaders. Explore this rich array of talent and connect with us to begin a mentoring journey shaped around your leadership context.
