Hull Trains is to have a third managing director in little over a year.
Martijn Gilbert has been appointed to head up FirstGroup’s two open access businesses, with the new Lumo operation between Edinburgh and London brought alongside the East Yorkshire link to the capital.
Currently managing director of Go North East - he succeeds David Gibson, who has accepted a senior leadership role outside of the rail industry.
Read more: FirstGroup pledge to get Hull Trains back on track after £10.5m Covid reversal in fortunes
Mr Gilbert, who starts in September, said: “I am very excited to be joining the Lumo and Hull Trains team. It’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to lead both the established and well respected Hull Trains and the innovative new Lumo operation. I am confident that, working closely with our partners, we can realise the ambitious plans for the future and deliver great service for our customers.”
Previous positions before joining Go North East - the parent company of East Yorkshire Buses - have included roles at Arriva in both their bus and rail divisions, and as chief executive of Reading Buses. He is also a board member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Mr Gibson was appointed nine months ago, having replaced Louise Cheeseman when she became director of buses for Transport for London.
It had been a return to the city where the decorated former Royal Air Force wing commander served as a senior council officer. He is not yet in a position to reveal where he is heading, but in his brief stint at the helm of the brand new Paragon fleet he oversaw the start of the post-pandemic recovery, leading to record service levels before Christmas, shortly after Hull Trains marked its 21st anniversary.
It came after passenger levels dropped from one million to 300,000 in the year Covid struck - with the business having to ‘hibernate’ during three lockdowns as it is reliant on fares to operate.
Phil Cameron will continue in his interim position as managing director of Lumo, through a handover period with Mr Gilbert, before returning to his role in First Rail.
Andy Mellors, First Rail’s managing director of non-franchised businesses, said: “Martijn is passionate about delivering excellent customer experience in the transport sector and his expertise will be vital, as we continue to grow our businesses. We are all looking forward to having him on the team.
“I would like to thank David for his leadership as we re-establish Hull Trains following the pandemic period, and also thank Phil for his continued dedication and support during the successful expansion of Lumo services.”
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