Eccles Makes Way for Dobbs at South West Trains
22 Nov 2005
Ian Dobbs is to succeed Graham Eccles as Chairman of South West Trains in the New Year. 
The change will come into effect from January 1. Graham Eccles will remain as an executive director of parent company Stagecoach Rail until the spring, with Ian Dobbs, who joined the company last summer, immediately stepping up.
Ian comes with 28 years experience in the rail industry, most recently in Australia as Chief Executive of the Victoria Public Transport Corporation. He was also a former divisional director with British Rail.
In a series of other management changes at South West Trains, Operations Director Stewart Palmer becomes Managing Director, being replaced by James Burt. Head of Stations Ian Johnston takes his role Customer Service Director.
Graham Eccles said: “We have worked hard to get South West Trains where it is today. I am confident these arrangements will ensure that continues while we await the award of the next franchise.”