MERSEYRAIL will have a new managing director from next month.

Neil Grabham will lead Merseyrail through what has been described as an "exciting change with a focus on delivering the highest quality rail service for local people" on behalf of the Combined Authority, in partnership with organisation’s shareholders Serco and Transport UK.

Looking forward to taking on the role, Mr Grabham - who is currently customer services director for East Midlands Railway - said: "I feel very proud to have been given the opportunity to lead the fantastic team at Merseyrail, who I know share my ambition to deliver a railway that the communities we serve can be proud of.

"This is an exciting time of transformation, with new trains being introduced, and the opportunity to deliver real improvements in the journey experiences of our customers."

Neil replaces Andy Heath, who left Merseyrail earlier this summer and Jane English who has been acting managing director for the last ten months.  

Dominic Booth, chief executive of Transport UK, said: "I am very pleased that Neil will be taking over as managing director at Merseyrail at such an exciting and transformational time for the business.

"Neil's focus on the customer and providing the best possible operational service levels, will be a great fit for the City Region.

"I would also like to thank Jane English for her excellent stewardship of the business over the last ten months."

John Whitehurst, managing director of Serco's transport business, said: "We are delighted that Neil is joining Merseyrail.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience and a real focus on customer service, which is so important for Merseyrail as we continue to transform the service on the back of the new train introduction.

"I would also like to thank Andy Heath for his service as managing director."