Rail boss Shooter in key regional CBI role

THE CHAIRMAN of Chiltern Railways has become the vice-chairman of the West Midlands CBI, further signalling the train operator’s growing ambitions in the region.

Meanwhile, former Cadbury chairman Roger Carr has been appointed as the organisation’s national president.

The CBI this morning announced Adrian Shooter as its new West Midlands Vice-Chairman. The 62-year-old will take up the year-long appointment in December before becoming Regional Chairman in 2011.

Since winning the franchise in 1996, Chiltern Railways has run scheduled passenger services along the M40 corridor between London Marylebone and Birmingham Snow Hill and London Marylebone to Aylesbury.

In 2002 it extended its operations to Kidderminster and in 2004 took over services between Stratford-upon-Avon and London.

This year, Chiltern Railways has invested around half of a £250m improvement programme in upgrading the service between Moor Street and Marylebone.

The benefits will be felt next week when a new timetable is introduced for trains running between the two stations. The new timetable is in preparation for the introduction of new, faster trains which will begin operating on the Chiltern route from May.

Mr Shooter joined British Rail in 1970 as an engineering management trainee.  He has had management responsibility for a wide range of railway activities, including operations, engineering and marketing.  In 1996 he led a management buyout of Chiltern Railways which has become one of the fastest growing train operating companies.

He is now chairman of DB Regio UK Ltd which owns Chiltern Railways, DB Tyne and Wear Ltd, and 50% of London Overground and Wrexham & Shropshire.  

Mr Shooter said:  “Over the last 15 years I have come to know much more about the West Midlands and I have a real enthusiasm to play a  more active part in helping businesses in the region face up to the many challenges ahead of us.’’

John Cridland, CBI Director-General Designate, said: “I am delighted that Adrian is joining the CBI team in the West Midlands. At a time when transport infrastructure is so important for growth, his knowledge will be invaluable.”

Roger Carr will succeed Helen Alexander as CBI president next June. He will become deputy president in January 2011 and members will be asked to endorse his appointment as president at the AGM.

Ms Alexander said: “I am delighted that Roger Carr is joining the CBI team. His extensive experience as chief executive and chairman of some of the UK’s most successful companies make him a great choice for the role of president.”

Mr Carr, 63, said: “It is a privilege to be chosen as CBI President at this critical time for business. Driving the UK’s economic recovery during the next two to three years will be a real challenge, but I believe that the CBI, led by John Cridland, will have a valuable contribution to make. I look forward to working with John and the rest of the CBI team.”

Mr Carr has previously held a number of senior roles including chief executive of Williams, chairman of Chubb, Thames Water, Mitchells & Butlers and Cadbury.