Gordon Wakeford appointed Industry Chair of RSG

Gordon Wakeford is Managing Director, Mobility Division, for Siemens PLC – an organisation that employs some 14,000 people throughout the UK. Gordon is responsible for leading the company’s Rail Systems, Rail Automation, Rail Electrification and Traffic Solutions businesses in the UK. With a headcount of some 3,600 transport-focused employees these businesses deliver trains, total road traffic solutions, rail signalling and electrification and maintenance throughout the country.

Gordon is also Chairman of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), which represents UK-based suppliers to the world’s railways.

Gordon joins the Rail Supply Group at an exciting time for the railway industry with usage and investment at unprecedented levels. Earlier this year the RSG published its Sector Strategy and Gordon will lead the RSG Council and the supply chain in meeting the strategy’s ambitious aims to increase innovation; enhance productivity; grow skills and develop export markets.

The RSG was formed in 2014 bringing together both the supply chain and government to ensure that UK employers and employees can capitalise upon record investment in both Classic and High Speed lines as well as grow exports to rail markets worldwide.

Gordon Wakeford, newly appointed Interim Industry Chair of the RSG, commented: “I am delighted to be asked to join the RSG at a time of significant investment in and ongoing development of the UK Rail Industry.”

He continued: “By working with the RSG council, in partnership with UK Government, my first task will be to ensure that we maintain the momentum achieved post the launch of our ‘Fast Track to the Future’ Strategy. It is essential that we get down to the business of delivering the main strategic work streams and continue to build links across the industry ensuring alignment with the railway trade organisations, especially RIA, of which I am also Chairman.

“I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks to Terence Watson, the departing Industry Chair, who has worked hard to bring about the founding of the RSG and the development of its strategy.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We are funding the biggest rail modernisation programme since Victorian times which is creating opportunities for UK suppliers across the country.

“I look forward to working with Gordon and the Rail Supply Group to ensure that our supply chain can deliver this programme efficiently and effectively supported by a highly skilled, highly motivated workforce.”

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Strengthening the rail sector supply chain is a key part of boosting UK productivity and will play a significant role in helping more of our businesses succeed both at home and abroad.

“Gordon’s appointment as the RSG’s new co-chair is a welcome move and I look forward to working with him to deliver on the commitments outlined in the RSG’s strategy launched earlier this year, including 20,000 new apprenticeships.”

Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail said: “An effective working relationship between passenger and freight train operators, Network Rail and their respective supply chains helps us build a better railway for a more successful Britain. It helps us to enable jobs and housing and grow our economy.

“Gordon Wakeford’s appointment as the RSG’s Industry Co-Chair will provide us with the opportunity for us to clarify the responsibility that the whole industry has to deliver on investment in the railway. I look forward to working with Gordon as we build upon the relationship between the RDG and the RSG in the coming months”.

Jeremy Candfield, Director General of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), commented: “Gordon’s appointment cements the close connections between RIA and RSG and reinforces the supply chain’s developing relationships with government and other industry partners. The UK-based railway supply industry has much to offer and much to gain from the RSG’s growing activities.”

Chris Fenton, Chief Executive of RSSB, commented: “RSSB provides research, analysis and insight for rail from a system wide perspective. A clear strong voice from the supply chain is essential for this work and the overall health of the railway, so we welcome the appointment of Gordon whose position and experience will prove invaluable.

“RSSB look forward to a continuing strong relationship with the Rail Supply Group, informing and supporting each other’s work for a safe, efficient and sustainable railway and a vibrant rail sector for UK plc.”

- Ends -

Notes to Editors

For further information on the Rail Supply Group, please contact:

For further information on Gordon Wakeford or Siemens, please contact:

About Siemens

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization.

One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is No. 1 in offshore wind turbine construction, a leading supplier of gas and steam turbines for power generation, a major provider of power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry.

The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2015, which ended on September 30, 2015, Siemens generated revenue of €75.6 billion and net income of €7.4 billion. At the end of September 2015, the company had around 348,000 employees worldwide.
Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.