HomePeopleLord Berkeley retires as RFG chair but will continue work in Europe

Lord Berkeley retires as RFG chair but will continue work in Europe

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Rail freight sector champion Lord Tony Berkeley has now retired from his role as chairman of the Rail Freight Group (RFG), the industry representative body for the rail freight sector.

A former public affairs manager for Eurotunnel, Tony has chaired the RFG since 1997, pressing the case for modal shift and future growth with Westminster and businesses, but earlier this year announced his intention to retire.

Tony will continue as the RFG’s European advisor until the middle of 2019, sitting on the board of both the European Rail Freight Association and ALLRAIL.

In June, at a ceremony to name a GB Railfreight train after him (Pictured above), executive director Maggie Simpson said: “Tony Berkeley leaves the sector wholly transformed from the one he joined some 21 years ago.

“His leadership, commitment and sheer determination have been instrumental in delivering that progress. I know I can speak for all RFG members, both past and present, in thanking him for all he has done and wishing him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”

Ken Russell, director of Russell Logistics, has been appointed as the RFG’s new chairman. He is a long-standing supporter of the association and has been a board member since 2015.

Neil Sime, managing director of Victa Railfreight and an RFG board member since 2003, has also been elected as vice-chair.

Under a new process agreed by the RFG board, Ken and Neil will serve as chair and vice-chair for a 12-month period, from which point an election for each position will take place every year with all qualifying board directors eligible to stand.

In addition, Chris Swann, head of rail for Tarmac, has become a director of the board and executive director Maggie Simpson has become director general and will continue to lead the RFG.


Read more: Giving freight a fair shake


 

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