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date 22 July 2009
source South West Trains
type Press release

South West Trains today (22 July 2009) announced the appointment of Andy Pitt as Managing Director of the company.

Andy Pitt (50), who has more than 26 years’ experience in the passenger rail industry, will take over from current MD Stewart Palmer when he retires in October.

Currently Business Development Director for Stagecoach Rail Group, Andy Pitt has previously held a number of senior management roles within British Railways, including at the South Wales and West regional railways division, and the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising.

In 1997, he was appointed Commercial Director at South West Trains and in 1999 became Deputy Managing Director.

Since taking on the role of Stagecoach Rail Business Development Director in 2001, Andy Pitt has overseen the development of the Group’s franchise bids, including the successful submissions for South Western and East Midlands.

Commenting on his appointment, Andy Pitt said: “I’m delighted to be taking responsibility for what is one of the country’s most important and complex commuter rail networks.
“Nearly half a million passengers rely on South West Trains for their travel every day and we have made great strides in recent years in driving up passenger satisfaction and delivering a reliable on-time railway day in, day out.

“I look forward to working with the strong management team and our committed frontline employees to build on this success.”

Stewart Palmer (58), who has worked in the rail industry since the 1970s, said: “I have a deep attachment to this railway, having started my career here 37 years ago. During my time in the job, we have achieved consistent passenger growth along with improved punctuality and passenger satisfaction.

”I am enormously proud of the railway that I am leaving behind, the excellent people I have worked with and the improvements that we have achieved together. I wish them every success."

Stewart Palmer began his career in the rail industry in 1972 on the British Rail graduate training scheme. After holding various management positions in B.R., he moved to Railtrack at privatisation in 1995. He held various senior positions at Connex before moving to moving to South West Trains as Operations Director in 2000. He became Managing Director in 2006.
Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter said: “I’m delighted Andy will be leading the management team at South West Trains. He has a detailed knowledge of the South Western franchise, and his knowledge and experience of the wider rail industry will be invaluable.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Stewart for his significant contribution to the company over the past nine years and for his commitment to the rail industry over nearly four decades.”

Railhub Archive ::: 2009-07-22 SWT-001