RAIL Forum East Midlands has announced that Porterbrook Leasing managing director Paul Francis has become its new chairman. Paul also sits on the executive of the Rail Supply Group.

He has replaced Colin Walton, who was formerly in charge of Bombardier Transportation in Britain and who held the post of Forum chairman for more than a decade.

In recognition of Colin's commitment, the Forum also voted to appoint him as President. This a new post at the Derby-based organisation, which was originally known as the Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum but changed its name recently to reflect its growing regional coverage.

Paul Francis said: “I would like to congratulate Colin on his election as Rail Forum President and I am very pleased that he has agreed to continue working with our members to promote the East Midland’s rail industry.

“Transport secretary Chris Grayling recently called our region ‘Britain’s transport engine room’. And so it is. As chair of the Rail Forum I am determined that we will build on this reputation by helping to grow skills, stimulate innovation and increase exports so that the East Midlands rail industry can lead the way in delivering post Brexit prosperity.”