The long-serving boss of Avanti West Coast is to step down later this month, it has been announced.
The company said managing director Phil Whittingham has decided to step down from his role from September 15 "in order to pursue other executive leadership opportunities".
Mr Whittingham transferred to Avanti West Coast from Virgin West Coast Trains following the rail franchise change process following a successful 23 years in various roles on the railway.
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Steve Montgomery, First Rail managing director, said: "Having led the team through the challenges presented by the pandemic over the last two years and into the recovery period, Phil leaves with the team ready for the challenges in delivering the future service requirements. I would like to thank Phil and wish him well in the future.”
"For the immediate future, Steve Montgomery will provide executive leadership support to the Avanti West Coast team."
Avanti West Coast, the operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia.
The move comes after the company admitted it was unable to run its timetabled services.
The date Mr Whittingham is due to step down, September 15, is when the next series of strikes will further impact the company's operations.
Avanti cut its services in August in a move which left only one train an hour instead of three between London and Manchester.
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