New director to lead railway improvements in the West Midlands

Experienced rail industry leader Mal Drury-Rose has been appointed to the twin role of Director of Rail for Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and Executive Director of the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE).

The job involves leading on delivery of region’s Rail Investment Strategy, including development of new stations and services and overseeing the West Midlands Railway franchise. 

Mal brings more than 30 years’ experience to the WMRE and TfWM having held senior roles with Virgin Trains, First Great Western, National Express, the Rail Delivery Group and having spent more than ten years as Head of Rail with the Welsh Government.

Mal Drury-Rose

His most recent role was as Assistant Director for Rail with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority which involved leading the recovery from Covid-19 with Merseyrail and working to progress the city region’s rail infrastructure programme and Long-Term Rail Strategy.

He comes to the West Midlands at a time of great change and expansion for the railway network as the region prepares for the arrival of HS2. Construction work is under way on three new railway stations on the Camp Hill line in Birmingham, two new stations on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line, plus a sixth station at Aldridge is being planned. There are also plans for further new stations in the pipeline.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMRE Chair, said: “Mal’s track record working across a range of public and private sector rail organisations makes him a compelling appointment.

“With work underway right across our region -  including getting five new railway stations open - he has a busy in tray ready to welcome him on his first day at the office.

“So I’m pleased that - in Mal - we have a high calibre leader to help us deliver on our ambitions and give local people the railway service they deserve.”

Mal said: “I am absolutely delighted to join the team at WMRE/TfWM and build on the achievements to deliver the region’s current and future priorities for rail and integrated transport. I am looking forward to working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders, using my skills and experience, to make a lasting positive impact to the transport system for the West Midlands.”

Mal takes up the new role from Monday, 19th June 2023.