Midlands Engine

West Midlands Rail Executive appoints executive director to deliver regional ‘rail renaissance’

West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) has announced the appointment of a new executive director.

Malcolm Holmes will permanently lead the WMRE after filling the interim role for the last few years, and alongside this will also report to Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) where he is the director of rail.

Under his interim leadership, the WMRE has overseen projects such as the region’s 30-year Rail Investment Strategy (which Malcolm wrote about in our Feb/March issue) and the company said Holmes played a key role in the award of West Midlands Rail Franchise.

Laura Shoaf, managing director of TfWM, said: “I am delighted that Malcolm has been appointed to the role of West Midlands Rail Executive director of rail with his excellent track record in delivering.

“His knowledge and experience of the rail industry both regionally and internationally is a huge asset for us and I look forward to our continued and future work that will bring immense benefits to the people of this area.”

WMRE said Holmes had helped the company achieve significant strides in enhancing the role of regional government in improving the rail network for passengers and freight.

His role will be to lead the co-located team in working with the local authority and industry partners to deliver a “rail renaissance” across the West Midlands through projects on the new University and Perry Barr stations and new stations on the Camp Hill Line and in Willenhall and Darlaston.

Holmes has over 25 years of experience in the rail sector, spending the last six years at Transport for West Midlands and its predecessor Centro.

Malcolm said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue the great delivery in rail, changing the lives of people in the West Midlands and forging collaborative and successful relationships with our stakeholders and communities

“It a great time to be involved in rail in the West Midlands as we are seeing an unprecedented level of investment in new lines, rolling stock and services that will make a real difference for commuters.”

Earlier this week West Midlands transport bosses across the two bodies unveiled plans for two new railway stations on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line.

TfWM and WMRE have been working closely with the operator West Midlands Railway, Wolverhampton and Walsall councils and Network over the improvements.

Malcolm Holmes will be appearing at this year’s TCR Midlands as a keynote speaker and panel debate participant, where investment in the Midlands’ railways will be discussed and debated. Don’t miss your chance to attend, visit the website here.