Claire Mann appointed as Managing Director of South Western Railway

Credit: South Western Railway

Claire Mann has been appointed as the new Managing Director of South Western Railway (SWR). She will take up her post early in 2021.

Claire has more than two decades of experience in the transport sector and has held a number of senior leadership roles in the rail industry, including: Director for Docklands Light Railway (DLR) at Transport for London (TfL), where she led the DLR team; Operations and Safety Director at Arriva Trains Wales; General Manager East at the former First Great Western (now Great Western Railway (GWR)); and Customer Service Director at London Overground. Most recently, she moved within TfL to become Director of Bus Operations, where she was responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the capital’s 9,200-strong bus fleet.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the SWR team,” commented Claire. “This is a railway close to my heart and one that is vital for connecting so many diverse communities. I am passionate about delivering an excellent customer experience and building on the great work already underway to transform this railway. People are the most important part of any successful operation and I am looking forward to meeting the teams and individuals across the SWR network.”

Mark Hopwood, currently Interim Managing Director of SWR, will return to be Managing Director of GWR on 4 January 2021. The role of SWR’s Managing Director will be covered by Mike Houghton, Chief Operating Officer, from 4 January 2021 until Claire joins.

Steve Montgomery, First Rail’s Managing Director, stated: “With her experienced background in customer service and public transport, Claire is well-placed to lead South Western Railway as we continue our £1.2 billion programme to transform the travelling experience for our customers. We are all looking forward to having her on the team. Although passenger numbers may be suppressed at the moment, people will want to travel again for work or leisure, and we are ready to play our part in helping the economic recovery across the network.”