Global transport operator FirstGroup has announced the appointment of Will Dunnett to the position of managing director at First Hull Trains.
Mr Dunnett has taken up the role after almost two years as commercial director with the company. His appointment comes off the back of his leadership of a major strategic business review of First Hull Trains.
Completed in February 2012, this comprehensive review has been heralded as the blueprint from which record-breaking passenger numbers have been reached for the business.
It was also a key driver behind the company being named as the best operator in the UK by Passenger Focus – the national rail industry watchdog – in the spring National Passenger Survey.
As a result of the review, a new, easy-to-access website was created and such initiatives as the M-ticket – which allows people to download tickets for use on trains direct to their smartphones – were launched. Customer interaction and direct marketing was also significantly stepped up.
Collectively, the initiatives have shown that although passenger numbers surged through 2012 by almost 10 per cent, exponential growth has continued through 2013. Significant increases year-on-year continue to be recorded, with around 10,000 more people every month, on average, choosing First Hull Trains.
Mr Dunnett will now work closely with the existing executive team to help continue to drive forward First Hull Trains’ recent excellent performance and will report directly to First Group Rail Division’s managing director Vernon Barker.
Will said: “I look forward to leading the team at First Hull Trains as we continue to improve and develop the service we offer our customers.
“We were named as the rail operator of choice in the latest independent survey and customer satisfaction will remain a key focus for us as we look to consolidate and grow further our reputation as the provider of choice on the East Coast Main Line.
“I know we have a good offer and I know we have very many loyal and dedicated customers. We will continue to drive towards providing a fast, safe and reliable service which represents great value for money as we connect the communities along our route with the capital.”
Vernon Barker, FirstGroup’s UK Rail Managing Director, said: “I am delighted to welcome Will to his new role. He has shown excellent leadership in his role as commercial director over the last two years.
“He will lead the First Hull Trains team at a very important time for the business, and for the city. We look towards the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 very hopefully.
“The coming years are to be a very busy time as we look to consolidate First Hull Trains’ position as the operator of choice on the East Coast Main Line.”
ENDS
Links: www.hulltrains.co.uk
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Notes to editors
· First Hull Trains was named the best operator in the UK in the spring wave of the National Passenger Survey.
· First Hull Trains runs 90 services a week between Hull and London, but now runs seven – stopping at Brough, Howden, Goole, Selby, Doncaster, Retford and Grantham.
· First Hull Trains’ fastest journey time between Hull and London is two hours and 34 minutes.
· Last year, First Hull Trains carried approximately 750,000 passengers.