FirstGroup has announced that Steve Montgomery has been appointed as the new managing director of its rail division.
Montgomery recently served as managing director of the highly successful First ScotRail franchise. Under his leadership, ScotRail achieved the highest ever levels of customer satisfaction and punctuality in the franchise's history and won countless awards including Rail Operator of the Year in 2014 and Scottish Public Transport Operator of the Year in both 2012 and 2013.
Montgomery's career in the railway industry spans almost 30 years, during which time he has gained significant experience in all aspects of rail management.
He started his working life with British Rail; he held various senior posts before becoming operations and safety director when FirstGroup took over ScotRail in 2004. He was appointed managing director of the franchise in 2009. Montgomery begins his new role on 28 September.
FirstGroup Chief Executive Tim O’Toole commented, “I am delighted to welcome Steve back to FirstGroup. In his new role our rail division will benefit from his proven track record of leadership, successful franchise management and building strong relationships with customers, employees and stakeholders.
“The expertise that Steve brings will be invaluable in helping to build on our position in rail, continuing to improve operational delivery and standards within our existing rail businesses as well as leading our disciplined bidding approach in future franchise opportunities.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks and gratitude to Dave Gausby for his support and valuable contribution as Interim First Rail MD. Dave will continue to provide support to Steve, in his usual position as director of rail strategy."
Montgomery added, "I'm thrilled to be returning to FirstGroup to run its rail division.
“Our train companies continue to go from strength to strength and we are about to enter an exciting phase of the franchising cycle, so I'm looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead."
