10.05.16
Siemens mobility MD appointed as Rail Supply Group interim chair
Gordon Wakeford, managing director of the Siemens mobility division, has been appointed as the new interim chair of the Rail Supply Group.
Wakeford is also chair of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), and replaces Terence Watson who stood down as teh industry chair of the Rail Supply Group and country president of Alstom UK & Ireland at the end of March.
“I am delighted to be asked to join the RSG at a time of significant investment in and ongoing development of the UK Rail Industry,” said Wakeford. “By working with the RSG council, in partnership with UK government, my first task will be to ensure that we maintain the momentum achieved post the launch of our ‘Fast Track to the Future’ strategy. It is essential that we get down to the business of delivering the main strategic work streams and continue to build links across the industry ensuring alignment with the railway trade organisations, especially RIA.
“I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to Terence Watson, the departing Industry Chair, who has worked hard to bring about the founding of the RSG and the development of its strategy.”
Patrick McLoughlin MP, the secretary for transport, said: “We are funding the biggest rail modernisation programme since Victorian times which is creating opportunities for UK suppliers across the country.
“I look forward to working with Gordon and the Rail Supply Group to ensure that our supply chain can deliver this programme efficiently and effectively supported by a highly skilled, highly motivated workforce.”
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