David Brown, the Managing Director of UK Trains at Arriva, has been appointed as the new Chair of Rail Delivery Group (RDG) to succeed Steve Montgomery, Managing Director of First Rail.

The Board of the Rail Delivery Group consists of members who are drawn from the owning groups of the train operators and Network Rail. David has served as a member of the board since 2020 and bring extensive experience in the railway sector to his new post.

As the new Chair of Rail Delivery Group, David will be responsible for the board’s leadership and effectiveness, and to provide it with strategic direction. David’s predecessor, Steve Montgomery, will remain as a member of the board.

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of RDG, said: “I speak for the entire rail industry when I say how grateful I am to Steve for his leadership through the unique challenges the sector faced during the pandemic. His commitment and leadership through several challenging years, not least the pandemic and the changing travel patterns of customers and the industrial relations landscape, are testament to his spirit and love for the industry.

“With David’s appointment, the sector has another passionate champion, someone who recognises the enduring value and importance of rail in the 21st century and supports the work we are doing to deliver a better railway for our customers. Since joining the RDG board, David has been a supportive but challenging voice and I have been particularly inspired by his personal support for our campaign to tackle sexual harassment on our railways.

“I look forward to working with him as we focus on the task in-hand of creating a railway that meets the needs of our customers.”

David Brown, Chair of RDG, said: “I am really pleased to have this opportunity to help provide leadership for the rail industry at such a crucial time. After unprecedented challenges in recent years, the railways can have a very bright future through meeting the needs of customers and the communities we serve.

“While long-term reform remains important, we must continue to attract customers to rail now, and to do that the industry needs to work collaboratively, with a relentless focus on delivering improvements and enhancing performance. I hope to use my role to enable this and support the work of colleagues across the industry who are working tirelessly to deliver a better railway and provide the services our customers want and taxpayers expect.”