06.05.15
New MD and sales director for Hitachi Rail Europe
Hitachi Rail Europe has appointed Karen Boswell as the company’s new managing director and Nick Hughes as its sales director.
With effect from 1 June 2015, Boswell, who has spent five years as managing director at East Coast Trains, will replace Keith Jordan who is taking up a new senior international role where he will play a key part in the integration of Hitachi’s Rail businesses, Ansaldo STS and AnsaldoBreda.
Boswell will lead the expansion of Hitachi Rail Europe which will include delivering and maintaining existing orders for Class 800/801 trains and AT200 trains; as well as continuing to attract new orders for rolling stock, ETCS and traffic management systems.
“It is an exciting time to be joining such an innovative organization like Hitachi Rail Europe. I was attracted to Hitachi by its excellent record of customer delivery as exemplified by the 395 Javelin fleet,” she said.
“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.”
Nick Hughes, currently chairman for Ansaldo STS in the UK, joins Hitachi Rail Europe with over 20 years of senior level experience in the UK and EU rail markets.
Hitachi said that Andy Barr will remain as chief operating officer but will hand over the responsibility for sales to Hughes to allow Barr to focus “on the rapid expansion of the company operations”.
Making the announcement, Alistair Dormer, global CEO of Hitachi – Rail and chairman of Hitachi Rail Europe, said: “I am delighted to welcome Karen and Nick to join our strong senior team to lead the company into the next phase of growth.
“Keith Jordan and Andy Barr have been instrumental in the success of Hitachi Rail Europe over many years. Keith hands over the reins to Karen with the company in great shape and will now bring a wealth of experience to the integration of Ansaldo STS and AnsaldoBreda, and the further expansion of the Hitachi Global Rail businesses.
“Andy has enjoyed tremendous success leading the sales team over the last 12 months in addition to his operational responsibilities. I would like to wish Karen, Nick, Keith and Andy every success in their new roles.”
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