As a step in bringing train operators and Network Rail in the West Midlands under single leadership, GBR West Midlands has appointed Denise Wetton as its Integrated Managing Director.

The appointment will lead GBR West Midlands in the same direction as GBR South Eastern, GBR South Western, and GBR Anglia, which are already integrated operations, and the choice of Denise Wetton is seen as a major milestone for GBR West Midlands in its journey to become a full part of Great British Railways (GBR).

With a single leadership team, the railway in the West Midlands will operate as a single entity, so that when things go wrong, faster and better decisions can be made, with single points of accountability for passengers and partners, as well as joined-up planning and processes to improve performance.

The integration of track and trains together is already proving beneficial through:

• Reduced delays and trains kept moving by allowing access to the track during daytime, and the provision of on-train cameras, which can spot and report rail defects.
• Deployment of drones to identify and reduce trespassing incidents, which in turn will keep people safe and reduce incidents of theft of railway infrastructure.
• A reduction in duplication and streamlining processes, which in turn saves taxpayers.

“Denise’s appointment marks an important step towards Great British Railways and the simpler, more joined-up railway it will deliver. By bringing track and train closer together, we can improve reliability, deliver better value for taxpayers, and build a railway that has passengers and freight at its heart. I look forward to working with her and her team at GBR West Midlands to realise the benefits this approach will bring to deliver growth, jobs and homes across the region.”

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy

“This is an exciting time where we can really start to bring track and train together, building on past successes for an even better future. We will create a railway that meets the needs of the communities we serve, and a railway that we and our customers can be proud of. Great British Railways is a once in a generation opportunity to improve performance on the railway and deliver a better railway for everyone. The hard work starts now, and I am excited to get started.”

Denise Wetton, Integrated Managing Director, GBR West Midlands