Mark Hopwood has a reputation for being one of the most experienced and respected railway professionals of his generation and most passionate about the fortunes of the industry and its people. Mark joined South Western Railway as Interim Managing Director in January 2020 and has already been seen to have had an immediate and positive impact. Previously he was Managing Director of First’s Great Western Railway company, having joined the franchise in 2008. Mark made the move to First from National Express where he was Operations Director for their Londonlines rail business – a role he carried out at First North Western. The early part of his career included senior posts at Railtrack, Thames Trains and British Rail, dating back to 1989 where he started his career, answering customer calls in the Reading Telephone Enquiry Bureau.

Alex started his career in 1993 at London Underground and enjoyed senior roles at Strategic Rail Authority, British Airways and many train operating companies, as well as at First Group’s bus division. He was also Royal Mail's Managing Director, Specialist Services. Alex founded Flash Forward Consulting in 2012 and he has presided over assignments across all sectors of public transport and recently set up its courier division, Flash Delivery. Alex is the Chair of the West Midlands Supervisory Board for Network Rail and Grand Rail Collaboration, taking over from Andy Street, Mayor of Birmingham in April 2020.