Scotland’s Minister for Transport has announced the appointment two non-executive directors to the Board of Scottish Rail Holdings.
Richard Cairns has accepted an offer for the post of Interim Chair for a period of 15 months from 1 April. He will replace Gareth Llewellyn, whose one-year appointment ended on 31 March 2023.
Richard has over 30 years’ experience in the field of economic development and has worked in both the public and private sectors in Scotland, across the UK and EU, and in Australia. His most recent post was Strategic Advisor to the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Region for Clyde Mission, seeking to maximise the economic, environmental, and social regeneration potential of the river.
Richard is also a Board member of Hub West Scotland, the public infrastructure delivery company, and a Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy, University of Strathclyde.
He was previously the strategic director of Regeneration, Environment & Growth at West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC). Prior to joining WDC, Richard was head of Economic Development at Mazars, head of Economic Development for the Audit Commission in London, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and head of Economic Development for Glasgow City Council.
Carolyn Griffiths has accepted an appointment as Interim NED for a period of 18 months commencing 1 April. She will also chair ScotRail’s Safety, Health, and Environmental Committee.
Carolyn has worked in the rail industry since 1979, with extensive experience in the UK and overseas in rail operations and establishing new rail organisations. Among other appointments she was the founding chief inspector of the Rail Accident and Investigation Branch (RAIB), Senior Vice President of Adtranz and non-executive director of the Board of Irish Rail where she was also a member of a number of the Board advisory committees.
Carolyn has professional experience of working as a Board member, non-executive and trustee, with extensive experience of working across the various sectors within the rail industry and being accountable for passenger and public opinion/satisfaction. She has worked at a senior level as both an executive and engineer. She is a fellow and Board member of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Last August, Carolyn was appointed, with the then Minister’s approval, to Chair the Carmont Vehicle Recommendation Steering Group following the RAIB Carmont accident investigation report.
Existing NED People Roz Foyer has accepted an extension to her appointment for a further 15 months.
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. The Postholders do not hold any other ministerial appointment and no appointees have had any political activity in the last five years.
Minister for Transport Kevin Stewart said: “I am pleased to welcome Richard Cairns as the next non-executive chair and Carolyn Griffiths as non-executive director to the Board of Scottish Rail Holdings. The appointment of a Chair and Director with such demonstrably impressive experience reflects our ambition for a publicly owned ScotRail.
“Richard and Carolyn have both had successful careers in their respective fields sector and I look forward to them bringing their individual experience and expertise to their roles.
“I would like to thank Roz Foyer for her ongoing commitment and acceptance of an extended appointment.
“In addition, I would also like take the opportunity to thank all our outgoing Board members for their hard-work and contribution, and I wish them well in their future endeavours.”
Full board membership
- David Lowrie – interim CEO
- John MacQuarrie – Rail Business Director
- Emma Dixon – General Counsel
- Richard Cairns – interim Chair
- Roz Foyer – interim Non-Executive Director
- Carolyn Griffiths – interim Non-Executive Director
- Lee Shedden – interim Non-Executive Director
Image credit: istockphoto.com
