AppointmentsTransport

Clare Gilmartin, the CEO of Trainline, is to step down at the end of February 2021 after seven years in the role. 

The listed independent rail and coach platform said she will be replaced by COO Jody Ford. 

Gilmartin, who will also step down from the company’s board, will remain involved in the business as a senior advisor. 

Ford previously held the role of CEO at Photobox Group, encompassing the Moonpig and Photobox brands, and led global growth at eBay.  

“The decision to step down next year is a personal one; after seven years at the helm the time has come for me to spend more time with my family,” said Gilmartin. 

I am immensely proud of our progress over the last several years – including driving the advancement of digital ticketing and the customer shift online, our international expansion and our track record for meeting and exceeding expectations, particularly in our first year as a public company.   

I work alongside an amazing team, who I know will continue this strong performance, innovating for customers and driving growth for the industry.” 

Brian McBride, Chair of Trainline, said: “I would like to thank Clare for her outstanding leadership during her time as our CEO. During her tenure, she has led the business through a period of rapid growth and expansion across Europe and steered the company through a successful IPO. 

“I am delighted to welcome Jody into his role as Chief Executive.  Since he joined, I have been impressed by his clear leadership and his focus on improving customer experience to deliver performance.   

Ford said: “I joined Trainline because I believe it is a tech innovator with huge growth potential and a purpose that is central to its business: to encourage greener travel choices.   

I am very much looking forward to bringing my digital experience to bear as CEO and continuing Trainline’s focus on working with the rail and coach industry to make travel as easy and friction-free as possible for millions of customers in Europe and beyond.”