Steve Montgomery to remain at ScotRail helm

SCOTRAIL chief Steve Montgomery will keep his job when Abellio takes over the train operating franchise in two weeks, the Dutch firm announced yesterday, writes Alastair Dalton.

Steve Montgomery will stay in post as managing director when Abellio takes over. Picture: Wattie Cheung

However, a shake-up could follow at the end of the year when the joint head of a new “alliance” with track owner Network Rail is due to be appointed.

Abellio said the closer-working structure would involve a “combined leadership team”.

Mr Montgomery, who has run ScotRail for FirstGroup since 2009, will remain managing director from 1 April along with many of the current directors.

Network Rail retail director Jonathan Crick will become interim commercial director, while ex-Southern train operating company human resources director Matt Watson is appointed business transformation director.

Abellio said changing franchises was a “highly disruptive process” and stressed the importance of “strong continuity”.

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