First female engineering director appointed by West Midlands Trains

West Midlands Trains has announced that they have welcomed Zena Dent to the Engineering Director position within the Train Operating Company.

Zena has over two decades of experience within the railways, starting at British Railways in the 1990s. She joined WMT back in 2018, as Project Manager, and will become WMT’s first female Engineering Director when she starts her new role on Monday 6th of July 2020.

There are two main duties Zena will carry out, the first being the introduction of brand new trains for both of WMT’s brands, West Midland Railway (WMR) and London Northwestern Railway (LNR).

The second is organising the maintenance of current stock, made up of Class 350s, 323s and 170s among other classes.

Following being announced as the successful candidate, Zena said: “It is a very exciting time to take up this post as we are on the cusp of a significant positive change with our two fantastic new train fleets. This will start with our smart new, air-conditioned diesel fleet carrying passengers in the West Midlands followed by our new electric trains which will particularly benefit our popular commuter routes to and from and London and through Birmingham.

Engineering is about problem-solving and that is something that has always appealed to me, no matter what the environment. It is a pleasure to work as part of teams providing trains which carry millions of passengers every year. I am a firm believer that everyone is different but everyone is equal and I would absolutely encourage any young person – male or female – to consider an engineering career on the railway.”

Amanda White, Rail Programme Director, and Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, at University Station.

West Midlands Trains Managing Director Julian Edwards said: “I am delighted to welcome Zena as our new Engineering Director at an exciting time for the company. Despite the challenges coronavirus is presenting to the rail industry and society, we know the £1billion investment we are making in new trains, stations, depots and our people will make a huge difference to our customers.”

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