London, UK – Today, Angel Trains, one of Britain’s leading train leasing companies, announces the appointment of its new Chairman, Mark Russell, who will be joining the Board from 1st February 2021.
Mark Russell CBE is Chair of DE&S, the Ministry of Defence’s procurement and support organisation, which is responsible for £12 billion Defence equipment spend and employs 11,500 staff. He is also Vice Chair of UK Government Investments (UKGI) and non-executive director of DP World. His previous experience includes a five-year tenure as a board member of Eurostar International and a similar tenure as a board member of London & Continental Railways
Angel Trains’ current Chairman, Tom Smith, will be stepping down from his role after two successful three-year terms. During Tom’s stewardship, Angel Trains has undertaken an unprecedented programme of asset renewals and enhancements, including recent innovations to deliver green rolling stock technologies.
Mark Russell said: “Angel Trains is an established and leading investor in UK rail, working alongside industry partners and Government to deliver exceptional asset management and innovative rolling stock solutions. I am delighted to join the highly experienced leadership team as we continue the collaborative efforts needed to address industry challenges and opportunities to make rail more sustainable.”
Tom Smith said: “It has been wonderful to be part of such a successful organisation. The commitment and calibre of Angel Trains’ people are second to none and the company does so much to improve the experiences of rail passengers all over the country. I leave the company in safe hands and look forward to seeing the continued efforts to advance UK rail.”
Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tom and the contribution he has made to Angel Trains throughout his six-year tenure. As the business moves to its next chapter, we are delighted to welcome Mark, who is an accomplished and competent leader that will support our efforts in becoming a leading investor in UK rail and realise the opportunities of an accelerated decarbonisation programme.”
Mark will join non-executive board directors Len Porter and Stuart Paterson and a well-established senior management team including Malcolm Brown, CEO, David Jordan, COO, Alan Lowe, CFO, and Matthew Prosser, Technical Director.