Paul Watson, Operations Director
Few can say that they have worked in an industry for more than 45 years, but TransPennine Express Operations Director Paul Watson is one of those few.
He has dedicated his career to the railway. And he not only displays exceptional operational knowledge, he is also committed to positive relationships with trade unions and pursuing charitable endeavours.
Paul started his railway career in 1977 on the platform at London Waterloo station, working his way up to the role of guard and then driver, before moving into operational management.
In 1999, he was promoted into senior management and worked for West Anglia, Midland Mainline and First North Western. Paul also represented his peers as a trade union representative for more than 26 years.
But one of his biggest achievements is the leadership he provided during the tragic London bombings on July 7 2005, while he was working as a director for London Midland.
The situation called for challenging decisions to be made, all while providing reassurance to traincrew that it would be safe for them to travel in and out of London for work following the attacks, to ensure that essential rail services could continue to run.
Paul was based in Derby at the time, and he went above and beyond the call of duty, leading by example, and basing himself in London for several days to make sure the frontline teams were well supported.
Paul began his current role at TPE in 2009. He is responsible for the operator’s 24⁄7 Control team, performance, and safety. He is also responsible for more than 500 train drivers across the north of England and over the border into Scotland.
Since taking on the role, he has used his extensive knowledge of trade union involvement to play a pivotal part in union management for TPE, providing engagement through consistent consultation, negotiation, and communication.
He has overseen recent improvements in both reliability and punctuality of trains for passengers across the North, helping to rebuild trust as the operator seeks to be the leading train operator for the region.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul also led TPE’s response to events, and he was instrumental in ensuring the operator could provide a safe and reliable service for essential travellers, including key workers.
A vital part of this role was also ensuring that his colleagues were protected as much as possible, and that they felt safe and reassured through regular contact and collaboration with driver representatives.
Known as a true leader within TPE, Paul has an approachable and down-to-earth personality that provides inspiration to many on the railway.
Even away from work, Paul is still a committed railwayman, and in 2010 he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the Railway Children charity, helping to raise £180,000 as part of a team of three.
While he was in Tanzania, he visited a centre that is operated by the charit,y so that he could witness first-hand some of its important work. He has continued to support the charity ever since.