Keolis UK makes four key leadership appointments as it advances its UK growth strategy.

Sir Derek Jones, former Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Government, has been appointed to chair the board of UK public transport operator Keolis.

He joins Keolis alongside three other senior appointments, as the business advances its strategy to expand its multimodal transport expertise in the UK market.

In 2018, Keolis secured a 15-year contract to operate Transport for Wales Rail Services in a joint venture partnership with Amey. All the new roles will be based in Cardiff as the company progresses its plans to relocate its UK headquarters from London to Wales by the end of this year.
 
Sir Derek was the head of the Welsh Civil Service between 2012 and 2017. He has held numerous positions across Whitehall and the Welsh Government. including time at HM Treasury and the then Department of Trade & Industry, throughout a long career in government. He currently chairs the Prince’s Trust in Wales, is a non-executive director of IQE plc, and an independent adviser to Cardiff University.

Joining Sir Derek at Keolis UK

Nigel Stevens joins Sir Derek, who takes up the position of Keolis UK chief operating officer (COO). Nigel has responsibility for technology, innovation and business development. Nigel was previously CEO of Transdev in the UK and Ireland.
 
Catrin Asbrey has been appointed as human resources director (HRD). Catrin has 20 years’ experience in HR, including seven years at FirstGroup.
 
Richard Graham has become performance director. He joins the UK business from Keolis Group in Boston, where he held an equivalent position for the last three years. Richard will oversee the delivery of Keolis’ continuous improvement strategy across the business’ UK operations.
 
Keolis is the UK market leader in high-performance light rail services, operating London’s DLR, the Manchester Metrolink and Nottingham’s award-winning urban light rail network, in addition to a number of major rail franchises.

“Skill & Breadth in our UK Leadership Team”

Alistair Gordon, chief executive of Keolis UK, said:

“Sir Derek’s vast experience is a major bonus for Keolis as we focus on delivering the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales’ bold vision for the transformation of rail services, and pursue new opportunities across the UK.

“UK transport is on the cusp of many changes – from the potential for a new approach to operating mainline rail, to the opportunity to create integrated networks through the re-regulation of bus services. In this context, we see major opportunities for Keolis’ international expertise to benefit the travelling public.

“The appointments of Nigel, Catrin and Richard add skill and breadth to our UK leadership team, at this very exciting time.”

Sir Derek Jones added:

“From leading on the integration of track and train, to operating the UK’s only high-speed rail service, Keolis has long been at the forefront of innovation in UK transport. I look forward to working with the excellent leadership team as the business continues to invest in Wales and expands its progressive approach to passenger transport into new areas across the UK.”

Sir Derek Jones succeeds Sir Mike Hodgkinson, who steps down as Keolis UK chair having held the role since 2011.

Image: (Left to Right) Richard Graham, Sir Derek Jones, Catrin Asbrey and Nigel Stevens.