A FORMER York school pupil who started his rail career in the city has been appointed chief executive of one of the industry's biggest infrastructure companies in the region.

With fond memories of York, David McLoughlin takes on the post acknowledging a career defined inside the city's walls.

The former Nunthorpe Grammar School for Boys student learnt his trade at one of the city’s biggest employers, British Rail, before the privatisation of the rail industry .

He said: "York is a city rich in rail history and one that has played a significant part in the development and success of the industry.

"It was a great place to grow up and provided me with the opportunity to take my first footsteps into the rail industry. Without that, I wouldn’t be sitting here as CEO of Spencer Rail.

"I’m really pleased to be joining such a well-respected organisation as Spencer Rail at this exciting and challenging time for our industry.

"We have set our sights high and aim to exceed customer expectations.

“However, we must match this through continued innovation and the introduction of new technology as pressure increases to drive down costs and become ever more efficient."

As the former finance and commercial director for the Infrastructure Projects division within Network Rail, Mr McLoughlin is one of Britain’s most experienced rail industry figures.

Reporting to the Spencer Group board, the 51-year-old is based at Spencer Group’s HQ in Hull, East Yorkshire, overseeing the rail business’ 300 plus staff in Scotland, Hull, the Midlands and London.

Spencer Group chief executive Charlie Spencer, said: “I am delighted David has been able to take up his role with us.

“He has a vital role to play in setting the strategic direction of the business and the delivery of our key outputs. We need a strong talent base from the rail industry and beyond to help us meet that challenge and David will play a pivotal role in this.”