South Western Railway (SWR) has announced that their new Managing Director will take up office later this month.

Claire Mann is the successful candidate for the Managing Director role within SWR, starting her new job on Monday the 22nd of March 2021.

Claire is no stranger to both the Transport and Railway industry, having worked at the following companies:

1. Heathrow Express – Customer Service Assistant and later Train Driver
2. Docklands Light Railway
3. Arriva Trains
4. First Great Western (rebranded as Great Western Railway)
5. London Overground
6. Transport for London – Director of Bus Operations

She has gathered a wealth of knowledge over the years at all of these companies, knowledge which is key to becoming a successful Managing Director for a TOC.

While in the recruitment process, Mike Houghton became Acting Managing Director, but will now return to his duties as Chief Operating Officer.

Claire will be working closely with Mike and other senior officers, especially as the UK transitions out of lockdown gradually and passenger numbers begin to increase.

SWR’s new Managing Director Claire Mann said: “I can’t wait to join the excellent team at SWR and to start shaping the company’s role in the UK’s recovery. The railway has played a vital role in keeping our key workers moving through lockdown and will be pivotal in helping people reconnect with each other as we emerge from the cloud of COVID.

First Rail Managing Director Steve Montgomery said: “Claire brings a wealth of experience to the role and her passion for delivering an excellent customer experience is a perfect fit, as SWR delivers its £1.2bn programme to transform the railway. With the roll out of the new Arterio fleet and Island Line transformation both set to be delivered this year, it is an exciting time for the customers and communities SWR serves, and we are delighted to have Claire in the driving seat.

MTR UK Chief Executive Officer Steve Murphy said: “Claire’s experience both on the front line of the railway and in senior roles across transport will be invaluable as she drives the SWR team to deliver great journeys for all our customers, and we are fortunate to have her on board. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Mike Houghton for the excellent job he has done as interim Managing Director over the past three months.”

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