New MD for Arriva Trains Wales

Arriva, one of Europe’s leading passenger transport groups, has announced the appointment of Chris Burchell as Managing Director UK Trains.

In his new role, Chris will be responsible for the overall direction and development of Arriva’s six UK-based train operating companies; Arriva Trains Wales, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, Grand Central, Tyne and Wear Metro and joint venture, London Overground (LOROL).

Together Arriva’s rail division employs 1,670 people, covering 1,478 route miles, with 91 train sets operating 295 services every weekday.

Chris, who will also sit on Arriva’s Executive Committee, joins from Go-Ahead Group where he has worked as Managing Director for the Southern franchise since 2006. At Go-Ahead, Chris also served as Operations Director for Thames Trains from 2002 to 2004. Prior to Go-Ahead he worked for Railtrack and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

David Martin, Chief Executive of Arriva, said:

“Chris brings an excellent track record and a wealth of valuable experience to Arriva. He will help to develop both our existing operations and our efforts to win future rail franchises, open access opportunities and pioneer new customer initiatives.

“He joins us following the recent news that we have been invited to bid for the Northern franchise and will be an important asset in that process.”

Chris Burchell, added: “I am excited to be joining Arriva and look forward to helping to develop what is already an industry leading business with first class levels of operational performance and punctuality.

“With six train operating companies covering the length of the UK we are in a great position to use our experience to expand further, develop our offering and give ourselves the best opportunity to win new franchises.”

Married with three children, Chris is also Chairman of the railway’s cross-industry National Task Force.