The UK light rail sector has strengthened operator representation at board level following the appointment of Damien Chabas, Managing Director of KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM), as a Non-Executive Director of the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB).
The appointment forms part of an ongoing restructuring of the LRSSB's governance framework, designed to ensure stronger industry engagement and enhanced sector representation as the organisation continues to expand its influence across the UK's growing light rail industry.
Announcing the appointment, George Lowder, Chair of the LRSSB, highlighted the strong response from operators across the country to the board position.
"We’ve been hugely encouraged by the response from the managing directors of UK systems to a call for one of them to join our Board.”
“Damien’s appointment as an NED was confirmed during our latest board meeting, and to have representation from the operator of the UK’s largest light rail system reflects the growing influence of the LRSSB at an exciting time for the wider light rail sector.”
Damien Chabas has served as Managing Director of KAM since July 2023, having previously held the roles of Director of Service Delivery and Director of Customer Experience and Growth within the business. Before joining the Manchester tram operator in 2019, he worked for Yarra Trams in Melbourne, Australia, where he held senior leadership positions spanning business strategy, operations and customer services.
With more than 15 years' international experience in mass transit, Damien also brings significant academic credentials, holding master's degrees in both international business and business management.
Speaking following his appointment, Damien said:
“I am privileged to join the organisation at such a pivotal time for the sector. Ensuring the highest levels of safety is a collective, continuous responsibility.
“I look forward to collaborating with the Board to champion robust standards, mitigate existing and emerging risks, and ensure existing light rail systems remain safe, reliable, and trusted in our ever-changing environment. Securing these foundations is also vital as we support the development of new mass transit schemes across the UK.”
His appointment comes at a time when light rail networks are playing an increasingly important role in addressing urban transport challenges, while safety, operational excellence and standardisation remain key priorities for both existing systems and future mass transit projects. The addition of an experienced operator from the UK's largest tram network is expected to strengthen the LRSSB's ability to shape best practice and support the continued safe growth of the sector.
Image credit: LRSSB
