Serco appoints Managing Director to run the iconic Caledonian Sleeper franchise

Serco has appointed Peter Strachan as Managing Director of the Caledonian Sleeper franchise which begins operating in April 2015.

He joins Serco Caledonian Sleeper from Serco's business in Australia where he led on and supported two key rail bids in Sydney.  Prior to joining Serco in 2013, Peter was Director-General Major Projects for the Department for Transport, leading on the UK Government's major rail and road capital projects and for transport in London, including the London 2012 Olympics and chairing the CrossRail joint sponsor board.  Also in the UK, Peter has successfully led a number of UK train operating companies as Managing Director, including Arriva Trains Wales and was Route Director for Network Rail London North Western.  Overseas, Peter was CEO of National Express Group's Rail Division in Melbourne and latterly CEO for TransLink Transit Authority in Brisbane.

Peter will lead the Serco team responsible for transforming the Sleeper service into an outstanding hospitality service that is emblematic of the best of Scotland which includes all aspects of the operation of the Caledonian Sleeper franchise; marketing, sales, hospitality service on the trains, vehicle maintenance and the provision of facilities at stations for guests. 

Commenting on his appointment, Peter said, "I am delighted to be taking up the role of Managing Director for the Caledonian Sleeper service.  As a Scot, it is a real privilege to have the opportunity to lead the transformation of our iconic Sleeper service.  I look forward to working with the team to deliver a guest experience that embodies the best Scotland has to offer."

David Stretch, Managing Director for Serco's Transport business said, "Serco has a strong track record of providing high quality, customer focused rail services all over the world, as well as experience in managing large scale tourism-focused transport services.  Peter brings a wealth of executive leadership and experience to our transport business and I am confident that he will lead the team to a successful launch, and subsequent transformation of the prestigious Caledonian Sleeper service over the coming years."