New boss at rail firm running commuter routes through North London

John Whitehurst has been appointed as Govia Thameslink Railway’s chief operating officer

John Whitehurst is the new chief operating officer at Govia Thameslink Railway (inset)

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK’s largest rail operator, has appointed a new boss.

John Whitehurst has been appointed as GTR’s chief operating officer and will begin the role on 20th May.

GTR operates several commuter railway lines in London, including the Thameslink service through Haringey and Barnet and the Great Northern routes through Haringey, Enfield and Barnet.

John will be responsible for ensuring GTR’s operations are “safe, reliable and sustainable” while maintaining a “relentless focus on making sure customers receive a high-quality service”.

The role will see John lead the planning and delivery of services across GTR’s four “brands” – Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, and Thameslink – which collectively represent 18% of UK rail passenger journeys. He will also hold key relations with the supply chain and industry partners such as Network Rail.

On the Hertford Loop Line through Haringey and Enfield, operated by Great Northern, commuters are still waiting for the pre-pandemic level of service frequency to be restored.

John previously worked at Network Rail as route infrastructure maintenance director on the Kent and Anglia routes, and spent nearly twelve years at Serco, where he was managing director of transport and community services.

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Andy Coulthurst, who has led GTR’s operations on an interim basis since November 2023, will retire this summer after more than 20 years in the rail industry.

Angie Doll, GTR’s chief executive officer, said: “I am delighted to welcome John to GTR. His impressive career both inside and outside rail will be a great addition to my team and the wider organisation. I know that John’s extensive knowledge of running operations in the UK and abroad will play a key role in our future success, bringing fresh thinking as well as years of experience to help GTR grow and deliver for our customers and communities. I very much look forward to having John in my team.

“I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Andy, who has been an excellent interim chief operating officer. Andy joined us during a challenging period in 2020, and throughout his time at GTR has consistently demonstrated strong leadership. He will be missed, and on behalf of everyone at GTR I wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement.”

John Whitehurst said: “I’ve been an admirer and customer of GTR for many years, so I’m very proud to join and be a part of the UK’s biggest railway operator at an exciting and important time for the rail industry. I’m looking forward to getting out across the length and breadth of GTR’s vast network, meeting my new colleagues who work incredibly hard every day to provide customers with a safe and reliable service.

“I’m excited to work with all our industry partners and stakeholders to innovate and improve our services for the hundreds of thousands of customers who rely on us.”

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