A MAJOR rail company’s boss has been named the Woman of the Year.

East Coast’s managing director, Karen Boswell, scooped the prestigious gong at the Women 1st Shine Awards.

The awards recognise those making a significant mark on their industries, and Mrs Boswell now joins the elite Top 100 Club of Britain’s most influential women in hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism.

In an industry where women account for just 20 per cent of the workforce Mrs Boswell already supports and mentors other women in the East Coast business, as well as being an active member of Forward Ladies, which seeks to inspire women in professional life.

She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won this award, and we’re all really so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together to turn around this jewel in the crown of Britain’s railways.”

Mrs Boswell took over East Coast in 2009.

Under her leadership East Coast has transformed into a driving force for customer satisfaction and workforce engagement.

At 91 per cent, customer satisfaction is the highest since records began on the line.

The company is also now one of Britain’s most profitable train companies, delivering strong returns for the taxpayer.