David Whittle

Noon - 4:00pm

Email the studio

Justin Bieber

Daisies

Listen Live Podcasts

Northern appoints new managing director and chief operating officer

Tuesday, 7 May 2024 10:29

Tricia Williams and Matt Rice.

A new managing director and chief operating officer have taken the helm at Northern this week.

Tricia Williams has been with Northern since 2020 when she joined the organisation as chief operating officer.

Prior to working at Northern, she held a number of executive roles at Manchester Airports Group where she delivered sustained customer growth and transformation.

She also spent 20 years at United Utilities Group in a range of operational leadership and strategic transformation roles.

In the chief operating officer role, Williams is succeeded by Matt Rice, who joined Northern from Network Rail where he was route director for the north and east route.

In his role, Rice will lead all Northern service and engineering functions across the North of England, which includes 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations in the region.  

Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said:

“After three great years as chief operating officer, it’s an absolute honour to be taking on the managing director role from this week.

“I know we have big challenges ahead of us but Northern is in a strong position and Matt and the rest of the director leadership team are committed to creating an inclusive culture, improving performance and our customer experience.”

Matt Rice, chief operating officer at Northern, said:

“I am looking forward to working with Tricia and my colleagues across the region to deliver for our customers.

“I have spent my career focused on making things better and I am committed to fostering a positive workplace culture for all and delivering great rail services for people across the North of England.”

Rice is supported in his role by three regional directors.

Craig Harrop heads-up Northern’s operations in the North West, while Kerry Peters is responsible for Yorkshire, East Midlands and Humberside.

Jason Wade was recently appointed to the North East role.

More from Local News

Christmas timetable revealed for Harrogate trains

Train operator Northern has released a calendar to provide customers with a handy reference guide for service levels over the festive period.
Police appeal after thieves break into Harrogate flat

Police have issued an appeal to identify two people after a burglary in Harrogate.
Campaign to save Knaresborough Castle reaches Parliament

A campaign to 'save' Knaresborough Castle and protect and restore the site has reached Parliament.
Goldsborough Hall to feature in new boxing film

Goldsborough Hall is set to appear on the big screen as part of highly-anticipated boxing film 'Giant.'
Council offers grants for Harrogate students

Students living in the Harrogate area who are currently taking post-16 education courses for the academic year 2025-2026 are invited to apply for a small grant from a local trust.
Harrogate nursery's 12 Days of Christmas raises £1,000 for local hospice

A Harrogate nursery has raised almost £1,000 for Saint Michael's Hospice as part of its 12 Days of Christmas activities.
The draw of Harrogate: Why buyers are moving more than 60 miles to live here

Homebuyers are moving more than 60 miles to live in Harrogate, according to a new study.
Selfless Harrogate boy writes festive job letter to Santa

An 8-year-old boy from Harrogate has written a letter to Santa offering his help this Christmas.
New pilates class for beginners to launch in Harrogate

A new beginners' pilates course is set to launch in Harrogate this January, offering an introduction to mat-based pilates in a small group.
Spanish airport operator acquires Leeds Bradford Airport in £270m deal

Spanish airport operator Aena has acquired a majority stake in Leeds Bradford Airport in a deal worth £270million.
Time to abolish the House of Lords, says Harrogate MP

Local MP Tom Gordon has called on the government to abolish the House of Lords in its current form and replace it with a fully elected second chamber.
Police appeal after 'disturbance' outside Harrogate bar

Police are appealing for information about a disturbance that happened outside a pub in Harrogate last month.
Opening date revealed for Wetherby's new Wetherspoons

JD Wetherspoon has confirmed the opening date for its new pub in Wetherby.
Ripon youngsters create fabric wrapping paper to combat waste

Enterprising Ripon Grammar students concerned about the amount of wrapping we waste every Christmas have put their principles into action.
Harrogate nurse takes on double marathon challenge for pancreatic cancer

A Harrogate woman is preparing to take on a demanding double marathon challenge to raise money and awareness for pancreatic cancer.
Police appeal after gel blaster gun incident in Boroughbridge

Police have launched an appeal for those affected by youths shooting a gel blaster gun in Boroughbridge to come forward.
Number of primary school children being expelled a 'shocking indictment on society'

The number of primary school children as young as five being expelled due to their behaviour is a "shocking indictment on society", say councillors.
Ashville College appoints first female Head of Prep School

A Harrogate school has strengthened its Prep School’s senior leadership team with a hat-trick of new appointments – including its first female Head.
Popular Knaresborough fish and chip shop announces closure

A popular fish and chip shop in Knaresborough has announced it will be closing its doors.
Manchester Mayor backs Harrogate MP's campaign to scrap disabled bus pass ban

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has backed a campaign launched by Harrogate’s MP that restricts bus usage for disabled people.