Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK’s largest train operating company, has appointed Paul Groves as its new Train Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern. Paul joined the business in October and has quickly immersed himself in understanding the operational intricacies of one of Britain’s most complex rail networks.
With a career rooted in frontline rail operations, Paul began as a driver for Heathrow Express before progressing through control room roles and into senior management. Most recently, he served as Director of Driver Operations and Safety at GTS Rail, GTR’s sister company, where he played a pivotal role in the rollout of the Elizabeth Line.
During his tenure on the Elizabeth Line, Paul led the training and deployment of a new fleet and oversaw the implementation of advanced signalling systems including European Train Control System (ETCS) and Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). His leadership was instrumental in one of the UK’s largest driver recruitment campaigns and contributed to the line winning “Operator of the Year” at both the 2023 and 2024 National Transport Awards.
Paul is known for fostering strong relationships with regulatory bodies and trade unions—an approach that aligns with GTR’s commitment to collaborative working and continuous improvement.
His predecessor, Brian Husbands, has transitioned to a new role as Train Services Director for Southern and Gatwick Express, continuing his leadership within the GTR network.
John Whitehurst, GTR’s Chief Operating Officer, welcomed Paul’s appointment:
“Paul’s longstanding railway career is a fantastic addition to my team and the wider business.”
“I’m confident Paul’s extensive knowledge of running operations on the Elizabeth Line will play an important part in GTR’s future success, bringing dynamic thinking and a fresh perspective to help us improve our services for our customers. I look forward to working with Paul on some exciting projects.”
Paul expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying:
“It’s a privilege to be part of the UK’s biggest rail operator. I’ve already immersed myself in understanding the network in greater depth and have been actively visiting depots to connect with our dedicated teams who work so hard to deliver a safe and reliable service. I’m eager to collaborate with our industry partners and continue pushing ourselves to provide the best possible experience for the thousands of customers who travel with us daily.”
As GTR continues to evolve its operational strategy, Paul’s appointment signals a renewed focus on innovation, safety, and service excellence across Thameslink and Great Northern routes.
Image credit: Govia Thameslink Railway
