Alstom, a global pioneer in smart and sustainable mobility solutions, proudly welcomes Rob Whyte as the new Managing Director for the UK and Ireland. Previously, Rob Whyte held the role of Managing Director for the Nordics.
“From starting my career with Alstom over three decades ago to leading this dynamic and talented team, I am excited to build on the organisation’s proud legacy of innovation and excellence in the rail industry. Together, we will continue to deliver efficient and low carbon solutions that transform transport across the UK and Ireland, and beyond,” said Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom.
Rob Whyte’s journey with Alstom began over three decades ago when he joined the company as an apprentice in its Transmission and Distribution (T&D) division. While working in this role, he simultaneously pursued an engineering degree at the University of Bath.
In 2003, Rob temporarily left Alstom to broaden his expertise, taking on a role at Angel Trains, where he managed the leasing of rail assets. He also gained entrepreneurial experience by running his own business. He rejoined Alstom in 2008, where he served as Managing Director of the Regional and Intercity fleet in the UK. During this tenure, he oversaw the maintenance of the Class 390 Pendolino fleet operating on the West Coast Main Line and led successful bids for key projects, including Nottingham Express Transit and London’s Crossrail infrastructure.
In 2016, Rob advanced to the position of Managing Director Nordics, where he drove significant growth across the cluster, expanding business operations, workforce, and projects under his leadership.
“Rob’s appointment underscores Alstom’s commitment to fostering talent and investing in the regions where we operate. With his deep understanding of the UK and Ireland rail sector and a proven track record in leadership, Rob is perfectly positioned to continue driving our growth and delivering transformative projects,” said Gian Luca Erbacci, Europe Region President at Alstom.
Alongside today’s announcement, Alstom has named Andy Butters as the new Managing Director for Rolling Stock and Components in the UK and Ireland. In this role, Andy will oversee the manufacturing of new trains at the company’s iconic Litchurch Lane facility in Derby.
Gian Luca Erbacci added: “I also warmly welcome Andy Butters to his new role and look forward to the contributions of both leaders as they steer Alstom towards an exciting future.”
Derby’s Litchurch Lane is among the largest rolling stock manufacturing facilities globally and stands as the UK’s sole site capable of designing, engineering, constructing, and testing trains for both domestic use and international markets. Originally opened in 1876 by the Midland Railway, the factory is part of a city with an unbroken train-building tradition dating back to 1839.
“It is a privilege to lead Alstom’s rolling stock business in the UK and Ireland, especially given that this year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. Derby’s Litchurch Lane Works stands as a symbol of Britain’s proud railway heritage and its future as a hub for modern train manufacturing,” said Andy Butters, Managing Director Rolling Stock and Components UK and Ireland.
Andy’s journey in the rail industry began in 2008 when he took on the role of Project Engineering Manager for Alstom’s Turbostar fleet in Derby. After leaving the site in 2011 to broaden his expertise in various global manufacturing sectors, he returned in 2019 as Project Director. In this role, he spearheaded the delivery of the Aventra Class 730 fleet and was subsequently promoted to his previous position as Site Projects Director.
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