Go Ahead : appoints Patrick Verwer as CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway

The Go-Ahead Group plc (GOG) has today appointed Patrick Verwer, former Managing Director of London Midland Trains, as CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

David Brown, CEO of Go-Ahead commented 'I have full confidence in Patrick's ability and determination to lead GTR and its team through the current difficulties and to deliver the long term benefits of the new timetable. Patrick brings with him a long history of collaborating with industry partners such as Network Rail and the DfT to deliver for customers.'

Patrick Verwer said ' I look forward to working with my new colleagues to deliver on the transformation that is already underway at GTR. My focus will be on ensuring we meet the needs of our customers each and every day.'

Patrick will join GTR in early July.

Patrick Verwer was Managing Director of London Midland between January 2012 and December 2017. Before that he worked in the transport industry in the UK and Europe, specialising in rail and airport services. He first came to the UK in 2003 as Managing Director of Merseyrail. Born and educated in the Netherlands, Patrick started his career in the Rotterdam Police Force rising to senior officer level.

GTR press office on 020 3750 2031 press.office@gtrailway.com

Go-Ahead Group press office 020 7799 8978 communications@go-ahead.com

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About Govia

Govia is a joint venture between the Go-Ahead Group (65%) and Keolis (35%), two leading, substantial and successful transport companies in their own right. Govia has extensive experience running complex and challenging rail operations, managing significant change programmes, and it has introduced more new train fleets in the UK than any other operator. The company currently runs two major rail franchises: GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) and Southeastern. It is one of the UK's busiest rail operators, currently providing c.25% of all passenger journeys.

About Go-Ahead

Go-Ahead is a leading UK public transport operator, providing high quality services in the bus and rail sectors. Employing around 27,000 people across the country, over one billion passenger journeys are undertaken on our services each year. We are committed to operating our companies in a safe, socially and environmentally responsible way and are proud to have been accredited with triple Carbon Trust Standard for reductions in carbon, water and waste. In addition to the travelling public, our customers include the Department for Transport, Transport for London (TfL) and local authorities.