The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has announced that following a competitive interview process its Board has appointed Noel Travers as RIA’s new chairman. He succeeds David Tonkin, who is standing down after seven years in the post, and will start in post on 3 June.
Noel – the managing director of international railway engineering solutions and services firm, and RIA member, XRail – has extensive experience and deep knowledge of all aspects of the railway industry, including infrastructure, rolling stock and the supply chain. Heserved on the RIA Board from 2018 to 2021 and as Chairman of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Railway Division between 2022. He intends to split his time between his role at Xrail and the role of RIA Chairman.
Commenting on his appointment, Noel said: “It is a great honour and privilege to become chairman of the UK’s oldest and most distinguished railway trade association, especially as it approaches its 150 Year Anniversary in 2025.
“Both the start of a new Control Period, CP7, and a new post-election Government, whatever its colours, this year are real opportunities to restate the hugely important role the UK rail supply sector plays in creating jobs and GVA across the national economy, as well as supporting innovation and skills in rail. I look forward to working with Chief Executive Darren Caplan, and the full RIA team, to play my part in helping to take RIA to the next level for its members and to build a bigger and better railway industry at this pivotal moment in the history of UK rail.”
RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan added: “I am delighted on behalf of the RIA Board, members and team, to welcome Noel to RIA as our incoming chairman. Noel has decades of expertise and insight from across the rail supply chain and will bring great perspective and insight to our Board deliberations and strategic direction going forward.
“I also wish to place on record our immense thanks to outgoing chairman David Tonkin who has provided outstanding leadership and support to the Board, the RIA team and myself during his tenure. We wish him well as he retires from rail and pursues other interests.”
Image credit: RIA
