Stadler Rail Service UK appoints first UK engineering director
September 24, 2020
Stadler Rail Service UK has appointed Paul Patrick as its first UK engineering director. He will oversee Stadler’s five live contracts up and down the country, reporting to Rob Baxter, UK managing director.
Paul Patrick, previously head of fleet engineering at Nexus, will be responsible for live contracts in Liverpool, East Anglia, Wales, Glasgow and Newcastle upon Tyne. He will also lead on the service and maintenance of the Tyne and Wear Metro legacy fleet and ultimately, the new trains that replace them.
He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the engineering team in the UK, which will deliver the highest possible service to our customers. It will be an honour to be part of the SRSUK leadership team, to help enhance the service we offer and to develop a structure that enables us to continually get better.
“I only have fond memories of my 25 years at Nexus. I wish them every success with the project to introduce 42 new trains on to the Tyne and Wear Metro, which will transform rail travel in the north east region.
“I look forward to meeting all the team around the UK and working with them to improve services for the benefit of both our clients and rail passengers up and down the country.”
This appointment follows Stadler’s rapid UK expansion, which has seen the Swiss rail-builder secure five contracts in this market in four years.
These include 58 new FLIRT trains for Greater Anglia, 52 Metro trains for the Liverpool City Region, 17 Metro trains for Glasgow Subway and 71 trains for Wales & Borders. At the beginning of the year, Stadler won the tender to supply 42 new Metro trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Paul has enjoyed a long and successful career at Nexus, starting in 1995 as an apprentice fitter. Since then, he has progressed within the organisation and ultimately, was appointed head of fleet engineering in 2017.
Rob Baxter, UK managing director, said: “Paul has all the right skills and experience that make him extremely well suited to this new position.
“I am sure Stadler will benefit enormously from his expertise and wide knowledge of the industry, and we’re thrilled to have him on board.”
Metro operations director, Chris Carson, said: “Everyone at Nexus wishes Paul well for the future, and we’re delighted that he has secured such a major role with Stadler.
“He will still be working very closely with us over the next four years on the delivery and roll out of our new £362m Metro train fleet.
“Paul is a great example of someone who has worked their way to the top. He joined us as an apprentice at a young age and has gone on from there to flourish.
“He is a great role model for other people who are starting out in the railway industry and he has demonstrated just how far you can go if you work hard and stay dedicated.”
Photo credit: Stadler Rail Services
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