21 December 2010
Tom Smith, Go-Ahead’s Managing Director - Rail Development, is to leave the company at the end of the year to become the independent Chairman of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC). Patrick Verwer, MD of Aviance, a Go-Ahead subsidiary, will take up the Rail Development role in the new year.
Keith Ludeman, Group Chief Executive of Go-Ahead, said:
“ATOC has made an excellent choice in appointing Tom Smith as their independent Chairman. Tom is a leading industry thinker and under his Chairmanship, ATOC has a strong voice in shaping the future of rail transport in this country. I would like to thank Tom for the successful contribution he has made to the Go-Ahead Group over the past nine years securing the Southern, Southeastern and London Midland Rail Franchises. I wish him every success.”
Tom Smith, Managing Director - Rail Development, said:
“I have greatly enjoyed my time at Go-Ahead. It is a strong and diverse company, with first class people and it has been a privilege to have been so involved in successfully growing the rail business.”
On his appointment as Managing Director - Rail Development, Patrick Verwer said:
“I am delighted to take up this challenging role. Go-Ahead is a strong and growing company with a real commitment to rail. There are a number of franchise opportunities coming up in the months and years ahead, and am looking forward to playing a key role in securing these opportunities.”
On Patrick’s appointment, Keith Ludeman said:
“Patrick is one of the most experienced members of my senior management team. His skill, broad cross-sector experience, and expertise will be used to the full in this new role as Managing Director – Rail Development. There are real opportunities to further grow the business and I know Patrick will make a decisive difference in securing new business for Go-Ahead.”
Ends
For further information, please contact:
| The Go-Ahead
Group |
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| Samantha Hodder, Group Communications Director |
020 7821 3928 |
| |
|
|
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| ATOC Limited |
|
| Nick Mann, Head of News |
020 7841 8069 |
Notes to Editors
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- Tom Smith has held the Chairmanship of ATOC since June 2009 on an interim basis, while he has also been Go-Ahead’s representative on the ATOC Board.
- He leaves Go-Ahead on 31 December 2010 and Patrick Verwer starts his new role on the same date.
- Tom Smith joined the Go-Ahead Group in 2001. Previously Tom was Managing Director of the company that financed and built the M6 toll motorway. He spent 11 years in the diplomatic service after graduating from Oxford.
- Patrick Verwer joined Go-Ahead in December 2007. Previously, he spent more than 10 years with Netherlands Railways in various executive roles. Patrick came to the UK in 2002 to head up the Serco/NedRailways Merseyrail concession in Liverpool. He started his working career as a senior police officer in Rotterdam.