The Tyne and Wear Metro has appointed a new operations director.
Kevin Storey has taken over the responsibility for overseeing the day to day running of services on the network following a successful recruitment process.
Nexus, the public body which owns and manages Metro, said it was a key appointment, and that he would bring a wealth of experience to the role as it transitions to a new £362m fleet of trains.
Kevin, 47, of Northumberland, has worked in Metro operations since 2005 and has been promoted into his new role after previously working as Head of Operations Delivery. He has previously led the successful delivery of services for major events including concerts at the Stadium of Light and the Great North Run.
He said: “I am delighted to be taking up this new role and lead our operations team as we look to a bright future with a new fleet of Metro trains.
“The immediate challenge is to improve our current performance and reliability for our customers, and to play our part in in the transition to the new fleet, which will be a historic period of change and renewal for the Tyne and Wear Metro.
“I am acutely aware of the many challenges we have faced with service punctuality and anti-social behaviour on our network. These are two key areas that I will continue to focus on in order to build customer confidence in Metro.
“I want Metro to be a high performing service, delivered by a team who are proud of the work they do, with everyone pulling in the same direction and understanding the key roles they play in the success of Metro.”
Managing Director at Nexus, Martin Kearney, said: “I am pleased to welcome Kevin Storey to his new role as our Metro Operations Director as we look ahead to introduction of the new Stadler train fleet and our ongoing focus on improving Metro performance for our customers.
“It’s a key role managing the day to day Metro services and I know that Kevin will bring a great deal of passion, dedication and knowledge to the job.”
Photo credit: Nexus