GOVIA has announced that Network Rail manager Dyan Crowther is to be the chief operating officer of the forthcoming Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise, which starts in mid-September.

She is currently route managing director of Network Rail's London North Western route. Her previous jobs include regional director of London North Eastern and director of operational services. She was also managing director of the former Arriva Trains Northern franchise.

The Go-Ahead Group owns 65 per cent of Govia, in a joint venture with the French firm Keolis. Go-Ahead's managing director David Brown said: “I’m pleased to welcome Dyan as she joins the senior executive team that will lead the delivery of the UK’s largest franchise. Her operational and leadership experience will be an asset to the organisation and complement the strong TSGN leadership executive already announced - of CEO Charles Horton, and chief financial officer Wilma Allan.
 
Dyan Crowther added: “It’s with mixed feelings that I leave Network Rail as I’m so proud of the achievements the company has delivered over the past few years and my part supporting them -- but I’m very much looking forward to my new role with TSGN, which will be a challenging and exciting one.”