ARRIVA Trains Northern has appointed a new commercial director.

Heidi Mottram has more than 17 years' experience in the rail industry. She will be responsible for the train operator's business planning, procurement and marketing as well as leading the customer relations department.

Heidi, 38, will be based at Arriva's York headquarters. She will also be responsible for the leasing and management of stations where Arriva Trains Northern is the lead train operator. Before joining Arriva, Heidi worked as operations director for Midland Mainline and was responsible for buying a £130 million fleet of trains. She also spent several years with GNER where she headed up its retailing activity and launched its telesales centre.

Heidi said: "I first started my rail career as a station manager at Harrogate before becoming station manager at Leeds - so my new job is a welcome return to the region for me."

Updated: 08:55 Tuesday, February 10, 2004