Sudden departure for train boss as EMR managing director leaves amid strikes, reliability and customer complaints
Will Rogers, managing director of East Midlands Railway (EMR), has left his role with immediate effect.
EMR owned by Transport UK Group confirmed on Monday (July 27) that Mr Rogers had left his post after six-and-a-half years in the job to ‘spend some more time with his family’.
After joining EMR in January 2020, he steered the company through the Covid pandemic, but repercussions from the fatal Bedford rail crash in June and reliability issues of refurbished trains left services cancelled and passengers stranded, resulting in a reduced timetable.
Dominic Booth, Transport UK CEO, said: “Will stepped in to lead EMR shortly after we first secured the contract. He has been instrumental in delivering exceptional service to our customers and has embodied the Transport UK delivery-first mentality.
"In recent weeks, Will has also given his all in responding to the tragic incident at Bedford South. I would like to thank Will for all his efforts and wish him the best in the future.”
During his tenure, Mr Rogers led the transformation of EMR from the retirement of the HSTs, through to the introduction of EMR Connect, refurbishment of all fleets and the introduction of the Aurora trains.
But members of the National Union of Rail Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) working at EMR will take strike action on Saturday, August 1 and the following two Saturdays over growing safety concerns that the company has ‘failed to address’.
Mr Rogers said: “It has been a privilege to lead EMR since 2020 and to support our teams through a period of significant change. I am sad to say goodbye to a business and to colleagues who have meant so much to me.
"I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside such talented, committed and caring people, and I will always be grateful for the experiences, friendships and memories we’ve shared. But it is the right time for me to step back and spend some more time with my family, and I would like to thank you all for your support, your friendship and for allowing me to be part of this journey. It has been a privilege.”
Neil Grabham will take on the role of interim managing director of EMR. For the last three years, he has been the managing director of Merseyrail, but previously held the role of customer services director within EMR.
Mr Grabham added: "I am genuinely pleased to be returning to EMR on an interim basis and to have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues once again. EMR has always held a special place for me, and I know first-hand the dedication, professionalism and commitment that exists across the business. I look forward to reconnecting with colleagues and supporting the team as we continue to deliver for our customers and communities.”