Southern’s managing director, Chris Burchell, is to step down from the company to take over as head of UK Trains for Arriva.
Southern said in a statement that the operator had been “transformed with better quality of service for customers, improved employee engagement, new trains and enhanced station facilities” since Burchell took over a decade ago.
DB Arriva announced last month that its UK rail chief operating officer, Steve Murphy, was leaving the company.
Chris Burchell
Chris will continue in the role while Go-Ahead recruits his successor.
David Brown, Go-Ahead chief executive, said: “Chris has made a fantastic contribution to Southern and under his leadership Southern has been transformed. We are sorry to see him leave and wish him the best in his career.
“We are now focusing on the future of Southern as we eagerly await the outcome of the TSGN franchise competition.”
Chris Burchell said “The decision to leave has not been an easy one. Southern has been and will remain a big part of my life and I’m very proud of what we have been able to achieve over the last 10 years. I have no doubt Southern will continue to go from strength to strength and continue to improve services for customers.”
