Managing director of Southern to leave
Southern managing director Chris Burchell has announced he will be leaving the company to take up the role of MD UK Trains for Arriva.
Over the past decade, and under his leadership, the Southern train operating company has been transformed with better quality of service for customers, improved employee engagement, new trains and enhanced station facilities. Southern has pioneered innovation in many areas and recently was the first UK national rail company to integrate smartcards on its network with the London system.
Chris will continue in the role for the coming months and Go-Ahead has started the process to recruit his successor.
David Brown, Go-Ahead Chief Executive, said: “Chris has made a fantastic contribution to Southern and under his leadership the franchise has been transformed. We are sorry to see him leave and wish him the best in his career.
“We are now focusing on the future of Southern as we eagerly await the outcome of the TSGN franchise competition.”
Chris Burchell said: “The decision to leave has not been an easy one. Southern has been and will remain a big part of my life and I’m very proud of what we have been able to achieve over the last ten years. I have no doubt Southern will continue to go from strength to strength and continue to improve services for customers.”
