Ian McConnell is to join West Midlands Trains (WMT) as managing director. Currently chief operating officer at ScotRail, he will join WMT during April, once ScotRail has been successfully handed over to Scottish Rail Holdings.
Ian has considerable experience and expertise within the rail sector, having previously been Franchise & Programmes director at Greater Anglia and prior to that undertaking several project and leadership roles at ScotRail and London Overground.
Ian said: “I’m delighted to be joining the West Midlands Trains team at such an exciting time, with the introduction of a new train fleet and the Commonwealth Games taking place in the region later this year.”
Ian takes over from Julian Edwards, who is stepping back from the role due to a serious illness within his family. Julian will remain with Abellio UK, who run West Midlands Trains, under a National Rail Contract.
Dominic Booth, managing director at Abellio UK said: “I am really excited to welcome Ian to West Midlands Trains. He brings a wealth of leadership experience to this role and has the skills, determination, and experience needed to lead West Midlands Trains as it seeks to recover from the pandemic.”
“I would also like to thank Julian for his contributions leading West Midlands Trains over the last two years. He has helped navigate the business through an exceptionally challenging period during the pandemic, also overseeing a successful transition to our new National Rail Contract and leaves West Midlands Trains in a much better place.”
