Main line ‘pro’ is nnr’s new GM
The NorTh Norfolk railway has recruited a senior main line figure as its new General Manager.
Andrew Munden, currently Operations & Safety Director at Chiltern Railways, is to run the Poppy Line from next February, succeeding Trevor Eady who is retiring. Securing a high-profile professional - and enthusiast - is seen as a sizeable coup. NNR Managing Director Hugh Harkett said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured Andrew at an important time for our expanding line, and his name has come up many times over the years. “We are now a significant entity in the movement with a main line involvement, and Andrew will lead us forward. He already knows us quite well.” The NNR is well set for growth, having successfully launched its Sheringham Cromer dining train service in August, and it is now tentatively looking to run over the rest of the 30-mile line into Norwich. Andrew already has interests in several steam railways, and has held senior roles in signalling and train operations, fleet, infrastructure and performance management. Hehas been a Chiltern Railways Board member, and was instrumental in introducing new trains and services, including the route to Oxford Parkway. Before that, he was the Route Director for Network Rail, Anglia Region, so has an extensive knowledge of the area’s infrastructure. Andrew’s wife Jo is a GP, who is looking for a similar opportunity in Norfolk.