Perth-based transport giant Stagecoach Group has appointed Tim Shoveller (pictured) as managing director of the group’s UK rail division.

The division includes South West Trains, East Midlands Trains, Virgin Trains East Coast and the Supertram light rail network in Sheffield.

Shoveller, 43, who has nearly 25 years’ experience in the rail industry, has been managing director of South West Trains for the past four years.

He will report directly to Stagecoach Group chief executive Martin Griffiths and have responsibility for managing existing rail businesses and for “new business development opportunities.”

Shoveller, previously MD at East Midlands Trains, joined Stagecoach Group in 2007 rom Virgin Trains where, as business development director and operations director, he played a key role in the success of Virgin Trains West Coast.

Before that, he was operations director at Midland Mainline and held a senior position at Eurostar. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Railway Operators.

Christian Roth, 49, fleet director at South West Trains, will succeed Shoveller as managing director of the franchise.

“We have a strong rail business and a portfolio of franchises which extends through to 2023, with further expected opportunities to bid for a number of contracts over the next two years,” said Stagecoach CEO Martin Griffiths.

“Tim has made a significant impact at South West Trains over the past four years, including leading our ground-breaking alliancing with Network Rail.

“He has extensive management experience and first-hand insight into large parts of the UK rail network, as well as a strong commitment to safety, customer service and partnership working with stakeholders.

“Christian has a strong understanding of the South West Trains network and the key priorities ahead. He has played a central role in the development and delivery of our capacity enhancement plans in Partnership with Network Rail and the Department for Transport.

“This includes the introduction of additional carriages, the procurement of a new fleet of suburban trains, and the forthcoming major redevelopment of London Waterloo … 

“These new appointments will put us in a strong position as we seek to transform the travel experience for our customers, grow our business and develop a strong bid for the new South Western rail franchise in 2017.”