Stagecoach appoints Tim Shoveller as MD of UK Rail

Transport operator Stagecoach has appointed Tim Shoveller as managing director of the group’s UK rail division, which includes South West Trains and East Midlands Trains.

Shoveller, who has been manager of South West Trains for the past four years, will report directly to chief executive Martin Griffiths and will be responsible for the management of the existing rail business as well as new business development opportunities.

Shoveller, a fellow of the Institution of Railway Operators, joined Stagecoach in 2007 from Virgin Trains and prior to that, he held a senior position at Eurostar.

South West Trains fleet director Christian Roth will succeed Shoveller as managing director of the franchise.

His experience includes engineering management and project management and development. Roth joined South West Trains in December 2008 after three years heading up the UK rail business for Siemens.

Stagecoach said both appointments will be effective from 1 February.

CEO Griffiths said: "These new appointments will put us in a strong position as we seek to transform the travel experience for our customers, grow our business and develop a strong bid for the new South Western rail franchise in 2017.”

At 1016 GMT, Stagecoach shares were down 0.3% to 267.20p.