Train operator Southern said it was entering a new generation of management after appointing a 32-year-old MD.

Chris Burchell became the youngest ever managing director of the rail company this week. The firm believes he could even be one the youngest in the country to run such a large firm.

Mr Burchell joined Southern as operations director in 2003, following a year in the same position at Thames Trains.

He said: "I want to focus on enhancing our service delivery still further and making it more consistent.

"That means getting every aspect of the journey right for our customers, from buying a ticket to the on-train service, train performance and the station environment."

Mr Burchell takes over from Charles Horton who has become managing director of Southeastern, the new integrated Kent franchise that began operating on April 1.

He is joined by two new members on the executive team - Andy Byford who joins as operations director from Southeastern, and Jan Chaudhry as the new commercial director, previously with Thameslink.

Mr Burchell added: "The success we create over the next few years in this, the next phase of Southern, will ensure we become the natural choice to run this network when the franchise is re-tendered and won in 2009."

Tuesday, April 18, 2006