TRAINLINE: Third-party rail and coach ticket retailer Trainline has begun the search for a new CEO after Jody Ford announced his intention to step down after more than six years at the company.
On February 25 Ford said ‘as Trainline enters its next multi-year phase of growth, I have agreed with [Chair of the board Brian McBride] this would be the right time to handover to new leadership. I will work closely with the board and my outstanding team over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and position Trainline strongly for its next chapter.’
McBride said ‘under Jody’s leadership the group has undergone a period of exceptional growth. We have created Europe’s number one rail app serving 27 million customers, doubling net ticket sales in the UK and international consumer businesses, more than doubling profits and growing new markets in France, Spain and Italy.’
The board said it remains committed to Trainline’s current strategic priorities and capital allocation framework, and reconfirmed its previously-upgraded market guidance for FY2026, saying it would provide more information in a trading update on March 12.
The UK government has confirmed that third party retailers will still have a role after the future Great British Railways takes over responsibility for ticket sales currently provided by train operators. However, retailers have called for clear separation of GBR’s operational and retail functions with legislative safeguards and independent oversight to ensure that they will have equal access to all ticketing products and services including fares, promotions and data.
