31 Aug 2018

Heather Clash and Alexia Course join Transport for Wales as the company prepares to take over the management of the Wales and Borders rail service from mid-October.

Heather Clash joins Transport for Wales as Executive Director of Finance. A CIMA qualified accountant, she also has an Accountancy degree from Cardiff University. Heather will also join the company’s board, bringing theHeather Clash joins Transport for Wales as Executive Director of Finance. A CIMA qualified accountant, she also has an Accountancy degree from Cardiff University. Heather will also join the company’s board, bringing the number of female board members to four out of the total seven.

An experienced finance professional, Heather joins Transport for Wales from Capita Group where she was Finance Director of Capita’s ITS Division, responsible for a team of Finance professionals partnering Operations to deliver revenues of £110m. Prior to Capita, Heather held various senior roles at FTSE 100 company, Compass Group plc.

Commenting on her appointment, Heather Clash said: “I’m delighted to be joining Transport for Wales’ board at such a pivotal time. These are exciting times for transport in Wales and Transport for Wales has an ambitious strategy to Keep Wales Moving. I’m eager to use my skills and experience to help shape the company’s strategic direction.”

Joining from Network Rail where she was Programme Director for route change responsible for the Wales Route, Alexia Course joins as Director of Rail Operations. Alexia has spent her career working in rail and brings a wealth of rail experience to Transport for Wales. She held a number of senior business and commercial roles at Network Rail, including Route Commercial Director for the Wales Route. Alexia holds a postgraduate award in Business Leadership and Management from Warwick University.

Alexia Course added: “Transport for Wales is transforming public transport in Wales and my focus will be to lead the development of a rail service that opens up opportunities for the people, communities and businesses of Wales. I look forward to working closely with our stakeholders to deliver safe, reliable services which meet the needs of our passengers.”

James Price, Chief Executive, Transport for Wales, said: “Alexia and Heather are both experienced and capable and I’m delighted to welcome them both to the senior team. I’m also pleased to see Heather join the board. Transport for Wales is leading the delivery of unprecedented levels of investment in rail services in Wales, including our exciting plans for the Wales and Borders rail service and South Wales Metro. Alexia and Heather each bring valuable experience and a commitment to high standards that will help us to deliver effectively for our customers and achieve our vision to Keep Wales Moving.”

Nick Gregg, Interim Chair, Transport for Wales, welcomed the appointments: “As Transport for Wales moves into a new phase, these appointments further demonstrate our position as an expert delivery organisation. Alexia and Heather bring experience and skills that will complement and enhance our senior team as we Keep Wales Moving. I look forward to working with Alexia and Heather, and I am delighted to welcome Heather to the board.”