First Rail announces new team to lead operation of the London Overground

Heading up the team as Managing Director is David Statham, currently the Commercial Director for First Rail.

He is leading the new team responsible for running the network on TfL’s behalf. Among his directors are Lee Archer as People Director, Mike Fortune as Finance Director and Oliver Owens as Concession and Transformation Director, all of which currently work within First Rail.

Niall Rooney as Customer Experience Director, Charlotte Whitfield as Operations Director, Kate Marjoribanks as Engineering Director and Mark Hughes as Head of Safety, Health & Wellbeing and Compliance will also move across from the Overground’s current operator, Arriva Rail London.

First Rail London Managing Director David Statham said: “The London Overground has transformed the way people travel across the capital, now carrying around four million passengers each week. We’re really excited to be operating the network from this weekend on behalf of Transport for London (TfL). We will be focused on delivering a safe and reliable network for customers, colleagues and communities.”

First Rail Managing Director, Steve Montgomery said: “As a long-standing and reliable partner in public transport, we value our strong relationship with TfL, where we already operate tram, cable car and some bus services. This weekend marks a significant milestone as we broaden and strengthen our portfolio in the capital.”

First Rail London’s contract with TfL is initially for eight years with an option to extend for up to two additional years at TfL’s discretion.

Under the terms of the contract, TfL retains all revenue risk and will specify the service levels, with First Rail London responsible for the delivery of train services, management of stations and customer service.