Railway apprentice celebrates UK Managing Directorship following glittering 30 year career
Rob Whyte undertook an apprenticeship in Stafford as part of Alstom’s former Transmission and Distribution (T&D) division.
An apprentice who started with one of the city’s top leaders in smart and sustainable mobility, has been promoted to a senior position of Managing Director UK and Ireland.
Rob Whyte undertook an apprenticeship in Stafford as part of Alstom’s former Transmission and Distribution (T&D) division.
He has worked extensively in Derby throughout his career, was previously Managing Director in the Nordics, and is due to take up the helm of the Managing Directorship UK division in February 2025.
With 37 locations and almost 6,000 employees, Alstom is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading suppliers of new trains and train services, and a leading signalling and rail infrastructure provider.
Speaking about his career to date spanning 30 years, Mr Whyte said: “From starting my career with Alstom over three decades ago to leading this dynamic and talented team, I am excited to build on the organisation’s proud legacy of innovation and excellence in the rail industry.
“Together, we will continue to deliver efficient and low carbon solutions that transform transport across the UK and Ireland, and beyond.”
Rob Whyte started with Alstom over 30 years ago as an apprentice in the company’s Transmission and Distribution (T&D) division. He held this role in parallel with studying for an engineering degree at the University of Bath.
Leaving Alstom in 2003, he worked for Angel Trains, where he was responsible for the leasing of rail assets and later ran his own business.
Returning to Alstom in 2008, his most recent position in the UK was Managing Director of the Regional and Intercity fleet.
As well as overseeing the servicing of the Alstom-built Class 390 Pendolino fleet on the West Coast Main Line, he also led the company’s successful bids for Nottingham Express Transit and Crossrail infrastructure in London.
Rob was promoted to the role of Managing Director Nordics in 2016, leading the Cluster to significant growth in terms of business, employees and projects.
Gian Luca Erbacci, Europe Region President at Alstom said: “Rob’s appointment underscores Alstom’s commitment to fostering talent and investing in the regions where we operate.
“With his deep understanding of the UK and Ireland rail sector and a proven track record in leadership, Rob is perfectly positioned to continue driving our growth and delivering transformative projects.”
Andy Butters has been appointed the company’s Managing Director Rolling Stock and Components UK and Ireland. Andy will oversee the production of new trains at Alstom’s historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby.
Gian Luca Erbacci added: “I also warmly welcome Andy Butters to his new role and look forward to the contributions of both leaders as they steer Alstom towards an exciting future.”
Derby Litchurch Lane is one of the world’s largest rolling stock factories, and the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets. The factory was opened by the Midland Railway in 1876 and the city of Derby has been building trains continually since 1839.
Andy Butters, Managing Director Rolling Stock and Components UK and Ireland said: “It is a privilege to lead Alstom’s rolling stock business in the UK and Ireland, especially given that this year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway.
“Derby’s Litchurch Lane Works stands as a symbol of Britain’s proud railway heritage and its future as a hub for modern train manufacturing.”
Andy began his career in rail in 2008 working on Alstom’s Turbostar fleet in Derby as Project Engineering Manager.
Having left the site in 2011 to gain experience in other global manufacturing business, he rejoined as Project Director in 2019 to lead the delivery of the Aventra Class 730 fleet and was later promoted to his previous role of Site Projects Director.
Rob Whyte and Andy Butters will take up their new roles at the start of February.