IRF Welcomes New Team Members with Strong International Expertise
The International Road Federation (IRF) is a well-established and respected organisation with over 75 years of experience promoting safer, more inclusive and sustainable road mobility systems. Our reputation is built on the quality and commitment of our staff, and we are pleased to welcome three accomplished professionals whose diverse expertise will strengthen our work across advocacy, project management and senior advice.

Iona Kirkpatrick – Project Manager
English | German | Russian | French
Iona Kirkpatrick joins the IRF with a multilingual background in Russian and German, and hands-on experience managing educational and research-based international projects. A graduate of Durham University, she began her career in translation before completing a master’s degree in EU Project Management. She went on to manage educational programmes across Africa and Asia with the Child & Family Foundation and later worked as an EU Project Manager in the field of connected and automated mobility at Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH. Iona brings a strong understanding of cross-border coordination and EU funding mechanisms, which will support IRF’s growing portfolio of international projects.

Alice Yiu – Head of Advocacy and Outreach
Cantonese | English | Mandarin
With over a decade of experience driving global action on climate and mobility, Alice Yiu now leads IRF’s global outreach and advocacy strategy. Before joining the IRF, Alice was Director of Communications and Outreach at the SLOCAT Partnership. She played a key role in representing the transport sector in international climate forums, including UN Climate Summits, and led the development of several landmark knowledge products such as the Global Status Reports. Her background in building alliances and advancing policy engagement ensures that the IRF will continue to be a reliable and influential voice in multilateral processes.

Brendan Halleman – Senior Advisor
English | French
Brendan Halleman brings to the IRF over 25 years of experience in road safety and infrastructure development. A French and Irish national, he has worked with international and multilateral institutions to support the creation of road networks that are safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable. Prior to joining the IRF, Brendan was Senior Road Safety Advisor at the European Investment Bank. There, he led efforts to enhance project appraisal and monitoring practices, strengthen client capacity and coordinate engagement with both institutional partners and the private sector. His practical knowledge and long-standing commitment to safer roads will directly support IRF’s technical initiatives and strategic partnerships.
Latest News
- MoU signing between IRF and VRCIC to Advance Cooperative Vehicle-Infrastructure Technologies

- IRF and CHTS Strengthen Collaboration in Advancing Research in Autonomous Vehicles

- Driving Innovation: IRF and CHTS Strengthen Collaboration in Smart Mobility Research

- Hi-Drive Webinar Explores the Technology Enablers for Higher Vehicle Automation

- Introducing the IRF Start-Up 2025 Finalists

- Building Resilient Roads for a Safer and Connected Future

MORE NEWS
October 31, 2025
0 Comments5 Minutes
MoU signing between IRF and VRCIC to Advance Cooperative Vehicle-Infrastructure Technologies
The partnership between the IRF and VRCIC was officially sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the 2025 ISTS.
October 31, 2025
0 Comments7 Minutes
IRF and CHTS Strengthen Collaboration in Advancing Research in Autonomous Vehicles
The IRF and the CHTS formalised a new chapter of cooperation with the signing of a MoU during the 2025 ISTS.
October 31, 2025
0 Comments4 Minutes
Driving Innovation: IRF and CHTS Strengthen Collaboration in Smart Mobility Research
IRF delegation visited Shenzhen and Beijing to explore pioneering examples of smart and sustainable mobility in action.
October 22, 2025
0 Comments3 Minutes
Hi-Drive Webinar Explores the Technology Enablers for Higher Vehicle Automation
IRF and the Hi-Drive European Project launch session on “Technology Enablers for Higher Vehicle Automation & Operations: Testing…
October 13, 2025
0 Comments6 Minutes
Building Resilient Roads for a Safer and Connected Future
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: Prioritising resilient roads












