FirstGroup has appointed Mike Nelson as Managing Director of First Rail, succeeding Steve Montgomery following his retirement after a long career in the rail industry.
Nelson, who previously served as Finance and Strategic Development Director, steps into the role at a pivotal time for the business as the UK’s rail sector continues its transition towards public ownership.
Having been part of the First Rail leadership team for the past six years, Nelson will oversee the completion of the transfer of the company’s remaining train operating companies into public ownership, while leading the next phase of growth centred on open access services and new commercial opportunities.
FirstGroup Chief Executive Graham Sutherland paid tribute to Montgomery’s contribution to both the company and the wider rail industry.
“I would like to wish Steve Montgomery all the best for his retirement and to pay tribute to his long and successful career in the rail industry and at FirstGroup,” he said.
“Mike has been an important part of the First Rail leadership team for the past six years, and I am delighted to confirm his appointment as Managing Director of the business. His job will be to continue the successful transition of First Rail, as our remaining Train Operating Companies are nationalised, and to position the business for future growth.”
Nelson said he was looking forward to leading the business through a period of significant change.
“I am delighted to be appointed Managing Director at an exciting moment of change as we shift from the TOCs and reposition the business for the future,” he said.
“My focus will be on continued close collaboration with the Department for Transport on the handover of Great Western Railway and West Coast Partnership, following South Western Railway last year, the growth of our Open Access business, including our new Stirling service, and building on the successful launch of First Rail London.
“It’s a privilege to lead the talented First Rail team, and together we will be actively looking at opportunities to grow the business.”
The appointment reflects First Rail’s evolving strategy as government reforms reshape Britain’s railway. With South Western Railway already transferred into public ownership, the business is increasingly focused on expanding its open access portfolio and developing rail services outside the traditional franchising model, positioning itself for opportunities under the emerging Great British Railways framework.
