22/03/2005

Stagecoach Group announced today (22 March 2005) that Andrew Haines, Managing Director of South West Trains, is leaving the business to become Managing Director UK Rail at FirstGroup.

Graham Eccles, Stagecoach Group Executive Director Rail, has assumed day-to-day operational responsibility for South West Trains on a temporary basis and will continue to retain his current Group role.

Stagecoach Group is currently recruiting a new Managing Director for South West Trains and expects to make an announcement in the near future.

Graham Eccles said: “Andrew leaves with our best wishes and we look forward to appointing a successor that will drive forward our plans for what is the UK's biggest rail franchise.

“I will assume day-to-day management responsibility for South West Trains. We have a first class team at South West Trains, with a number of excellent senior managers, and it will be business as usual as we continue with our major programme to introduce the new Desiro train fleet and further measures to improve our services to passengers.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs, Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111 or mobile 07764 774 680.