Gaiger to lead West Coast Partnership Development

Shamit Gaiger has been appointed Managing Director for FirstGroup/Trenitalia’s HS2 shadow operator West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD). She joins the business on July 25.

Gaiger (pictured) led AECOM’s Advisory Europe team and has held roles at the Rail Safety and Standards Board. She was Director of Strategy at the National Skills Academy for Rail, and a NonExecutive Director for Passenger Services at the Department for Transport, as well as leading Rail Sector Deal negotiations on behalf of the government.

She is also a non-executive director of Women in Rail and the Campaign for Better Transport.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to lead the development and delivery of a shared vision for high-speed service,” said Gaiger.

“I am confident that, working closely with our partners, we can realise the ambition and strategic goals of the HS2 programme.”

First Rail MD Steve Montgomery said: “Shamit is passionate about the future of rail and her expertise will be vital in delivering for our clients.

Trenitalia UK MD Ernesto Sicilia added: “With her experienced background in public transport, Shamit is well-placed to lead WCPD and continue our collaborative work with HS2 Ltd and our industry partners, as we move forward into an exciting era of high-speed rail.”