Debbie Francis OBE has been appointed as the new managing director of Loram UK.
Debbie will build on Loram’s strong relationships with key clients such as Network Rail, oversee the delivery of the first Loram Rail Grinding machines being built in the UK and lead the organisation as it expands across Europe and the Middle East, where Loram has recently won a significant contract with Etihad Rail.
Debbie has extensive experience of the rail sector and has held a number of senior executive roles, most notably as Managing Director of Direct Rail Services and prior to that as Finance & Commercial Director of Network Rail’s former London and North Western Route.
Debbie Francis, Managing Director of Loram UK said: “I am delighted to be asked to lead Loram at this exciting time for the business. Work has begun on building our state of the art RGX Rail Grinders in Derby, we are supporting Network Rail’s innovative vision for the future of Infrastructure Monitoring and my team is developing new markets in both Europe and the Middle East“.
Brad Willems, President and CEO of parent company Loram Maintenance of Way said: ‘’Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, drive and energy to the business. I’m excited to be working with her as we move forward with our UK strategy’’.
Debbie joined Loram UK as senior independent non-executive in 2020, tasked with activley supporting the board and the management team. She is also an advocate for gender equality and was awarded an OBE in 2021 for services to Women in Rail. In her remaining spare time Debbie is involved with the Railway Children’s Ball, the National Rail awards and is Chair for several organisations.
Loram UK, is a subsidiary of Loram Maintenance of Way which is headquartered in the United States and is a leading supplier of track maintenance services and equipment around the globe.
