Former Permanent Secretary to the Welsh Government, Sir Derek Jones, has been appointed the new chairman of global transport operator Keolis in the 海角视频.
Sir Derek, who was directly responsible for 5,000 civil servants, succeeds Sir Mike Hodgkinson having been the French-owned firm's 海角视频 chair since 2011.
Keolis, in partnership with Amey, was last year awarded the new 15-year Wales & Borders rail franchise, by the Welsh Government's at arm's length transport body, Transport for Wales.
It will also deliver the next phase of the South Wales Metro project with electrification of the Core Valley Lines into Cardiff. Both contracts are being delivered through the Transport for Wales Rail Services banner.
As part of its wining franchise bid, Keolis is also committed to relocating its 海角视频 headquarters, currently in London, to Cardiff by year end. It is currently looking for new permanent offices in the city.
Through its joint venture agreements, Keolis also operates some of the 海角视频’s busiest rail franchises including London's Docklands Light Railway, Manchester’s Metrolink and the urban light rail network in Nottingham.
Sir Derek was the head of the Welsh Government's civil service between 2012 and 2017 prior to which he held numerous senior positions across Whitehall and the Welsh Government.
From a council estate in Cardiff, he currently chairs the Prince's Trust in Wales as well as being non-executive director of hi-tech firm IQE and an independent adviser to Cardiff University.
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He is joined by Nigel Stevens, who takes up the position of Keolis 海角视频 chief operating officer (COO), with responsibility for technology, innovation and business development. Nigel was previously chief executive of Transdev in the 海角视频 and Ireland.
Catrin Asbrey has been appointed as human resources director (HRD), with 20 years’ experience in HR, including seven years at FirstGroup.
Moreover, Richard Graham has become performance director and joins the 海角视频 business from Keolis Group in Boston, where he held an equivalent position for the last three years.
Mr Graham will oversee the delivery of Keolis’ continuous improvement strategy across the business’ 海角视频 operations.
Alistair Gordon, chief executive of Keolis 海角视频, said: “Sir Derek’s vast experience is a major bonus for Keolis as we focus on delivering the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales’ bold vision for the transformation of rail services, and pursue new opportunities across the 海角视频.
“海角视频 transport is on the cusp of many changes – from the potential for a new approach to operating mainline rail, to the opportunity to create integrated networks through the re-regulation of bus services. In this context, we see major opportunities for Keolis’ international expertise to benefit the travelling public.
“The appointments of Nigel, Catrin and Richard add skill and breadth to our 海角视频 leadership team, at this very exciting time.”
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Sir Derek added: “From leading on the integration of track and train, to operating the 海角视频’s only high-speed rail service, Keolis has long been at the forefront of innovation in 海角视频 transport.
I look forward to working with the excellent leadership team as the business continues to invest in Wales and expands its progressive approach to passenger transport into new areas across the 海角视频.”
Keolis has been in the 海角视频 since 1996 and today it employ 13,000 people across its numerous franchises.
Globally, Keolis operates in 16 different countries.
It is 70% owned by SNCF – France’s state-owned railway operator – and 30% owned by Canadian pension fund, Caisse de depot et de placement du Québ.