Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions

Byers appoints new Strategic Rail Authority chief
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date 24 Oct 2001 00:00
source Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions
type Press release

Transport Secretary Stephen Byers has appointed Richard Bowker as the new chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority to lead the modernisation of Britain''s rail network.

Mr Byers said:

''Richard Bowker is just the person for this vital role. He knows the railways well and commands respect in the industry. I am sure he will be a great success at the SRA and I am delighted to announce his appointment

''Richard understands the needs of rail users and recognises the challenges facing the industry. He will bring fresh ideas - for everything from broad strategy to improving passengers'' day to day experiences.''

Richard Bowker will have a key role to play in delivering a better, safer railway. Under his leadership, the SRA's priorities will include:

- working, alongside train operators, to deliver a better deal for passengers;

- implementing its Strategic Plan for the industry;

- growing passenger numbers and rail''s share of the freight market;

- and driving forward the £60 billion rail investment, ten year investment programme;

Commenting on the announcement of his appointment, Richard Bowker said:

''I am delighted to accept the Secretary of State's offer of appointment as the new Chairman of the SRA. The railways of Britain have a central role to play in delivering a national transport infrastructure fit for the 21st Century. The SRA will be at the forefront of shaping the future direction and structure of the railways and I am looking forward to the challenge of leading the SRA at such an exciting time.''

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Biographical Details

Richard Bowker is 35. He joined London Underground Ltd as a graduate finance trainee in 1989. He qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 1993.

He moved to financial consultants Babcock and Brown Ltd in 1996 and was seconded to Virgin Rail Group in 1997. In 1999 he helped set up Quasar Associates Ltd, a small asset and project finance advisory business specialising in rail industry commercial and financing work.

Since September 2000 Mr Bowker has been Commercial Director for the Virgin Group of Companies, with specific responsibility for the transport sector of the Group, notably Virgin Rail Group, of which he was Co-Chairman.

Terms of Appointment

Mr Bowker''s appointment as SRA Chairman will be for 5 years. It will be a full time appointment. His basic salary has been agreed as £250,000 per annum with pension and potential for a performance bonus of up to £50,000.

Mr Bowker has not carried out any political activity in the last five years, and does not hold any other public appointments.

Strategic Rail Authority

The Strategic Rail Authority is a non-departmental public body, established under the Transport Act 2000. It is responsible for: promoting the use of the railway network for the carriage of passengers and goods; securing the development of the railway network; and contributing to the development of an integrated system of transport for passengers and goods.

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 3000 DTLR website: http://www.dtlr.gov.uk

Railhub Archive ::: 2001-10-24 DTR-002