Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has appointed Rob Whyte as its new managing director for the UK and Ireland, effective from 1 February. Previously, managing director of the Nordic region, he said: “From starting my career with Alstom over three decades ago to leading this dynamic and talented team, I am excited to build on the organisation’s proud legacy of innovation and excellence in the rail industry. Together, we will continue to deliver efficient and low-carbon solutions that transform transport across the UK and Ireland, and beyond.”
Mr Whyte began his career with Alstom as an apprentice in the company’s transmission and distribution (T&D) division, and studied for an engineering degree at the University of Bath. Leaving Alstom in 2003, Mr Whyte worked for Angel Trains – where he was responsible for the leasing of rail assets – and later ran his own business. Returning to Alstom in 2008, his most recent position in the UK was as managing director of the Regional and Intercity fleets.
As well as overseeing the servicing of the Alstom-built Class 390 Pendolino fleet on the West Coast Main Line, he also led the company’s successful bids for Nottingham Express Transit and Crossrail infrastructure in London, before being promoted to the role of managing director Nordics in 2016. He led the company to significant growth in terms of business, employees and projects in the region.
Gian Luca Erbacci, Europe Region president at Alstom, said: “Rob’s appointment underscores Alstom’s commitment to fostering talent and investing in the regions where we operate. With his deep understanding of the rail sector in the UK and Ireland and a proven track record in leadership, Rob is perfectly positioned to continue driving our growth and delivering transformative projects.”
Production of new trainsIn a further development, Andy Butters has been appointed as the company’s managing director of rolling stock and components UK and Ireland, effective 1 February. He will oversee the production of new trains at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby.
Mr Erbacci added: “I also warmly welcome Andy Butters to his new role and look forward to the contributions of both leaders as they steer Alstom towards an exciting future.”
Derby Litchurch Lane is one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories, and the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets. The factory was opened by the Midland Railway in 1876 and the city of Derby has been building trains there continually since 1839.
Mr Butters said: “It is a privilege to lead Alstom’s rolling stock business in the UK and Ireland, especially given that this year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. Derby’s Litchurch Lane Works stands as a symbol of Britain’s proud railway heritage and its future as a hub for modern train manufacturing.”
He began his career in rail in 2008 working on Alstom’s Turbostar fleet in Derby as project engineering manager. Having left the site in 2011 to gain experience in other global manufacturing businesses, he rejoined as project director in 2019 to lead the delivery of the Aventra Class 730 fleet and was later promoted to his previous role of site projects director.