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Agility Trains appoints Tom Hawkesworth as new CEO

4 February (London):  Agility Trains has today (4 February 2025) announced that Tom Hawkesworth has been appointed as new CEO, taking effect on 1 May 2025.

 

Tom joins from Hitachi Rail, where he has worked for over eight years, including most recently as Senior Director of Investment Management.  In this role, Tom has a proven track record of working in the rail sector, including working across a number of Hitachi-backed rail ventures, and providing strategic advice and guidance.

 

Tom was also Hitachi’s nominated Director for the Agility Group companies representing Hitachi’s equity interest in the project, as well as several other Hitachi-backed companies, including Rock Rail East Midlands, Connect 6ix, and Mobilinx.  Before joining Hitachi, Tom worked at the global defence company Leonardo for over 10 years.

 

Tom takes over from James Le Couilliard who has decided to stand down from full time executive employment to pursue a portfolio career.  James led Agility for over four years to establish Agility Trains as the train services provider to the major LNER and GWR Inter-city fleets.  He will work closely with Tom over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition ahead of standing down on April 30.

 

Tom Hawkesworth, incoming Agility Trains CEO, said:  “I am delighted to be joining Agility Trains and am looking forward to leading the team I have worked closely with whilst at Hitachi.  As the rail sector undergoes significant changes in the UK, Agility remains committed to delivering high-quality trains for the benefit of customers on the East Coast and Great Western Main Lines, acting as a flexible and long-term partner to the train operators and Government."

 

Barbara Moorhouse, Chair of Agility Trains, said:  “Tom brings with him a wealth of expertise in transport, finance, and commercial strategy, coupled with an in-depth understanding of the wider rail sector.  His experience in driving forward innovative rail projects will enable Agility to support our customers in delivering quality passenger services..

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to James for his leadership and contributions over the past four years. His dedication has been critical in shaping Agility’s success, and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

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Barbara Moorhouse appointed as Chair of Agility Trains West and Agility Trains East

The Agility Trains companies have appointed Barbara Moorhouse as Independent Chair with effect from 5 November 2021.  Barbara was a director of the Agility Trains West and Agility Trains East groups of companies in the period September 2015 to June 2021.  In recent months, she has supported the Agility Trains shareholder groups in conducting a review of the Agility organisation.

 

Barbara is an experienced chair and non-executive director.  Her current portfolio appointments are: Chair, Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), Senior Independent Director and Chair of Remuneration Committee at Aptitude Software Group plc, Non-Executive Director of Balfour Beatty plc, Senior Independent Director and Chair of Audit Committee at Medica plc.  She will be stepping down as Chair of RSSB when her successor has been appointed.

 

Barbara has extensive senior experience in operating and financial roles across the public and private sectors.  Her most recent executive roles were as Chief Operating Officer at Westminster City Council, and Director General at Ministry of Justice and Department for Transport.  Earlier in her career, she was CFO at two international listed software companies: Kewill Systems plc and Scala Business Solutions NV.

James Le Couilliard

Chief Executive Officer

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