Serco, the international services company and transport specialist, has appointed Kathryn Darbandi as the new Managing Director for the Caledonian Sleeper service. Kathryn will take up her new role in January 2021.
Kathryn has extensive experience in the travel and tourism industry and has previously held senior roles at US group Travel Leaders, Thomas Cook and Tui.
Commenting on the appointment John Whitehurst, Managing Director of Serco’s Transport business said: “We are delighted that Kathryn is joining us to be the new Managing Director of the Caledonian Sleeper service. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the travel business, with a strong focus on leadership and customers.
“With the new carriages successfully introduced into service, Kathryn comes on board at an exciting time as we continue to develop the service for our passengers.
“She will succeed Ryan Flaherty who has taken up a new role in another Serco Business Unit. He has done a tremendous job over the past few years overseeing the introduction of the fleet of new carriages, which has been very challenging. He moves on to his new role with my thanks and gratitude.”
Kathryn added: “I am delighted to be taking up this new role. The Caledonian Sleeper is a world class service with a first class team of people and I am excited at the prospects for the service over the coming years.”