Serco and Abellio, the joint owners of train operator Northern Rail, today (8 February 2010) announced the appointment of Ian Bevan as interim Managing Director and Steve Butcher as interim Deputy Managing Director.

Ian, currently Finance Director and Deputy Managing Director, will step up to replace Heidi Mottram, Managing Director, when she leaves to join Northumbrian Water Group from 1 March.

Steve, currently Area Director East, is promoted to interim Deputy Managing Director with specific responsibility for strategic operational and external relations issues.

Dominic Booth, Chief Operating Officer, Abellio (formerly NedRailways) and Alan Wilson, Managing Director, UK Transport, Serco Group plc, said:

“We are delighted to announce the appointments of Ian and Steve.  They are experienced directors who have been with Northern since 2005 and they have made significant contributions to Northern’s success.

“This includes running a record number of trains on time and attracting 34% more passengers since the start of the franchise.

“Ian and Steve will lead the wider Northern team in our commitment to keep improving the service we provide to passengers.”

The appointments of Ian and Steve are on an interim basis whilst the recruitment process takes place for permanent appointments.  This process is expected to include internal and external candidates.

In a separate move, Stuart Draper has been promoted to Engineering Director, replacing Ruud Haket who has joined Abellio to lead their bids for UK rail franchises.