Alstom UK and Ireland Appoints Rob Whyte as New Managing Director
Alstom has announced the appointment of Rob Whyte as Managing Director for the UK and Ireland.
Alstom has announced the appointment of Rob Whyte as Managing Director for the UK and Ireland.
This marks a return to the region for Whyte, who most recently served as Managing Director for Alstom in the Nordics.
Whyte’s career with Alstom began over three decades ago as an apprentice in the company’s Transmission and Distribution (T&D) division, while he also pursued an engineering degree at the University of Bath.
He left Alstom in 2003 to work with Angel Trains, where he managed rail asset leasing, and later ran his own business.
Returning to Alstom in 2008, he served as Managing Director for the Regional and Intercity fleet in the UK, overseeing high-profile projects such as the maintenance of the Class 390 Pendolino fleet and securing contracts for Nottingham Express Transit and Crossrail infrastructure.
In 2016, Whyte was promoted to Managing Director Nordics, where he led significant growth in business operations, workforce, and project delivery across the region.
“From starting my career with Alstom over three decades ago to leading this dynamic and talented team, I am excited to build on the organisation’s proud legacy of innovation and excellence in the rail industry. Together, we will continue to deliver efficient and low carbon solutions that transform transport across the UK and Ireland, and beyond.”
Rob Whyte is succeeding Nick Crossfield as Managing Director for Alstom UK and Ireland. Crossfield served as Managing Director from June 2016 until mid-2024, a tenure of approximately eight years.
In June 2024, he transitioned to Balfour Beatty as Chief Executive of UK Construction operations and Alstom UK and Ireland has since operated under interim leadership.
“Rob’s appointment underscores Alstom’s commitment to fostering talent and investing in the regions where we operate. With his deep understanding of the UK and Ireland rail sector and a proven track record in leadership, Rob is perfectly positioned to continue driving our growth and delivering transformative projects.”
Andy Butters to Lead Rolling Stock and Components
Alstom also announced the appointment of Andy Butters as Managing Director Rolling Stock and Components for the UK and Ireland.
Butters will oversee operations at the Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, the UK’s only facility for the design, engineering, production, and testing of trains for domestic and export markets.
This appointment coincides with the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. During these celebrations, Alstom will open its Derby factory to the public for the first time.
“It is a privilege to lead Alstom’s rolling stock business in the UK and Ireland, especially given that this year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. Derby’s Litchurch Lane Works stands as a symbol of Britain’s proud railway heritage and its future as a hub for modern train manufacturing.”
Butters began his rail career in 2008, working on Alstom’s Turbostar fleet in Derby. After gaining experience in global manufacturing, he returned in 2019 as Project Director for the Aventra Class 730 fleet before being promoted to Site Projects Director.
Both Rob Whyte and Andy Butters will officially assume their new roles at the start of February.
