Steve Cocliff, Managing Director VolkerRail Group and Alex Hynes, Go-Ahead’s Managing Director Rail Development, have been appointed to the Institution of Railway Operators (IRO) Board.

The IRO promotes best practice in railway operation and provides a focal point for raising standards across the rail industry. It provides professional development, including internationally recognised qualifications and networking opportunities for people at all levels across the industry.

Steve Cocliff is a Civil Engineer and has worked in a number of sectors including Nuclear, Civil Engineering, Building, Utilities and Rail. Steve said:

‘One reason why I joined the Institution of Railway Operators is because I see it as a very influential and forward thinking body within the rail industry.  Its members represent a significant core of professionals who manage operations and run services on a nationally and strategically important part of the infrastructure both here and abroad.  It is the aspiration of the Institution to make railway operations, in all of its facets, more effective, efficient and safe and I sincerely hope that I will be able to contribute to the major challenges facing our industry at a time of significant economic uncertainty.’

Alex Hynes has been with Go-Ahead since 2005, initially as a member of its bid team.  He served as Commercial Director at London Midland between 2007 and 2011 before being appointed Go-Ahead’s Managing Director of Rail Development in January 2012. Prior to joining Go-Ahead, Alex worked in rail consultancy and regulation. Alex said:

‘I’m delighted to be able to serve as a member of the IRO Board.  Our growing industry needs a customer focused approach to operations that delivers the highest standards of professionalism, and the role of the IRO is more important than ever.  Go-Ahead carries over a million passengers a day on its intensely operated rail networks and values the contribution made by the IRO to developing the excellence and expertise of our own staff’.