GCR’s managing director to depart

A REVIEW of the senior management structure at the Great Central Railway has ended with the disappearance of the managing director position currently held by Michael Gough, it being replaced by the new role of general manager.

Michael is to leave the railway’s employment shortly, but a spokesman said that no date for his departure has yet been set and neither has a successor been appointed.

A board statement said the review was carried out to ensure that the management structure is best aligned with the railway’s needs over the coming years. It said that the new post is the norm for heritage railways generally, and makes for sound governance and better dayto-day management.

Close involvement

The new general manager will report to the board of the GCR plc, although not be a member themselves, and be expected to be closely involved with the day-to-day operations and be able to work well with all those involved there.

In addition, the board will become increasingly supported by subcommittees so that timely, frequent and detailed discussions can take place where necessary.

The board said it would “like to place on record its appreciation of the role played by Michael Gough during his five-year association with the railway. In particular, this period has included navigation of some two years of Covid lockdowns and their inevitable impact on the railway’s operations.”