Global Centre of Rail Excellence Ltd has further strengthened its company board with the appointment of experienced industry executive Will Wilson as an independent Non-Executive Director.
The former Siemens Mobility Chief Executive joins the GCRE board with a wealth of rail experience. He became CEO of Siemens Mobility in June 2019, having previously been its Managing Director. Prior to this he was a Senior Vice President at Invensys Rail after studying at the University of Glamorgan and living and working in Wales in the early part of his career.
GCRE Ltd is constructing a major new rail innovation facility in south Wales. When it opens in 2025, the site will provide world class research, testing and certification of rolling stock, infrastructure and innovative new technologies that will fill a strategic gap not just in UK rail, but across Europe.
Chair of GCRE Ltd, Dr Debra Williams said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Will Wilson to the GCRE Ltd board and to add his significant knowledge and experience to the team. Will’s industry background and his credibility make him an excellent fit for GCRE, particularly as we undertake the process of securing private investment for the company.
“The Global Centre of Rail Excellence is one of the most unique propositions being taken forward in European rail today, helping the sector accelerate innovation across the continent. The skills that Will brings to the board in this area means he will make a significant contribution to realising the exciting vision we have set out for GCRE.
Will Wilson said:
“It’s a great pleasure to be taking on such an important and exciting role with GCRE Ltd. The facility the team are constructing is truly unique and I believe will have significant benefits not just for rail in the UK, but across Europe.
“Rail faces a significant challenge in the coming years of decarbonising the network and supporting the UK’s path to net zero. That means we must increase the pace of innovation and bring new ideas and new technologies to market faster. That’s one of the critical areas in which the GCRE facility can help and one of the major attractions for me of joining the board.
“As a new entrant to rail GCRE has the ability to do things differently and develop its structures and its business in a way that better reflects both the customers it represents and the wider world outside. That opportunity to help embed equality, diversity and inclusion in everything it does is something I know the team are keen to do and a key area where I am keen to provide support and experience.”
