Karen Boswell has been appointed managing director of Hitachi Rail Europe.
Nick Hughes is also set to join as sales director, with effect from 1 June, 2015.
Karen Boswell joins Hitachi Rail Europe after a successful spell at East Coast Trains where she spent five years as managing director.
Hitachi Rail Europe is embarking on a rapid expansion as it prepares for the delivery of its Class 800/801 and AT200 trains. The company will also be continuing to attract new orders for rolling stock, ETCS and traffic management systems.
Says Karen, ‘I was attracted to Hitachi by its excellent record of customer delivery as exemplified by the 395 Javelin fleet.
‘I look forward to bringing into service a new generation of trains, which will deliver a step change in the experience for passengers and greater reliability for operators.’
A strong believer in people development, she went on, ‘I believe people are the key ingredient, and I am looking forward to working with the wider Hitachi Rail Europe team, developing our people, creating new and exciting opportunities for all whilst at the same time raising the bar in the customer experience.’
The company’s rail vehicle manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe becomes fully operational later this year.
Nick Hughes joins Hitachi Rail Europe with over 20 years of senior level experience in the UK and EU rail markets. He joins from Ansaldo STS where he is currently chairman in the UK. Prior to that, Nick held senior business development roles in Alstom Transport and Jarvis.
Boswell takes over the role of Managing Director from Keith Jordan, who will be taking up a new senior international role integrating Hitachi’s Rail businesses: Ansaldo STS and AnsaldoBreda. Andy Barr will remain as Chief Operating Officer focusing on the rapid expansion of company operations.
Alistair Dormer, global chief executive of Hitachi Rail is delighted with the emerging senior team.
‘Hitachi Rail Europe is now established as a strong player in the UK rail market and is well set for the next phase of expansion with the opening of the Newton Aycliffe manufacturing facility later in the year.
‘I am delighted to welcome Karen and Nick to join our strong senior team to lead the company into the next phase of growth.’
He added, ‘I would like to wish Karen, Nick, Keith and Andy every success in their new roles.’
