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TPE all change at the top

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Leo Goodwin has stepped down as managing director of TransPennine Express to pursue other opportunities.

He has held various positions in First Rail since joining in 1999, including key roles in its train operating companies, on its bid teams and in developing the group’s East Coast open access proposition.

Most recently Leo has been managing director of TransPennine Express following FirstGroup winning the franchise in 2015. He successfully launched the new franchise and brand the following year and has overseen the introduction of three new fleets of trains.

However, TPE has had its problems too. The December timetable change found the firm with insufficient staff and a maintenance backlog that caused a number of train cancellations and upset passengers. At times during the first day of operation, half of TPE’s services were either cancelled or running at least half an hour late.

So this move gives both Leo Goodwin and First Group the opportunity to make a fresh start. Liz Collins, currently finance director at TPE, will act as the interim managing director whilst a permanent successor is sought.

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