Oxford-based Unipart Group, the leading independent manufacturing, logistics and consultancy group, has announced the appointment of Neil Walker as the new managing director of Unipart Rail and Unipart Manufacturing Group.

He joins from MTR Corporation Ltd and his extensive career spans the rail, transport and infrastructure sectors including a technology led e-mobility start-up.

Mr Walker has a strong focus on executing strategy, delivery and accelerating growth and is passionate about exceptional customer service, innovation, partnerships and the opportunity to harness these to broaden, diversify and drive growth. He brings both extensive national and international experience in the development, management and delivery of complex and novel rail and transportation programmes.

Mr Walker said: “Unipart Group is one of the most well-respected brands in the market and its people are passionate and successful in deploying the Unipart Way to deliver real value for customers.

“I am thrilled to be given the responsibility to lead the Rail and Manufacturing businesses and leverage the synergies we have in rail and automotive for the next exciting stage of Unipart’s evolution. Unipart has been at the forefront of corporate sustainability, and often, the most important corporate innovations.

“I look forward to leading and growing the Rail and Manufacturing businesses in doing their part to develop the company whilst driving Unipart's digital transformation to a technology led company."

Unipart Group Chairman and CEO John Neill said: “I'd like to warmly welcome Neil to our company, his leadership and vision will be a great asset to our strong leadership team in Unipart Rail and Manufacturing.

"Neil's appointment represents our ongoing commitments to the growth of our Rail and Manufacturing businesses. Supporting the transportation infrastructure with safe, reliable and resilient service has never been more important that it is today.

"Increasingly, the transport industry is adopting a wide range of digital technologies often referred to as 'Industry 4.0', and these are delivering innovative products and services through the use of automation, machine learning and data analytics.

“Unipart Rail and Manufacturing will be well positioned to play a leading role in providing our growing and extensive range of digital products and capabilities to our customers.”