A leading industry figure has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the organisation responsible for strengthening safety standards across the UK’s light rail sector.

For more than 25 years, Carl Williams has worked in public transport operations and maintenance and brings a wealth of experience to the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.

Currently Director of Operations at West Midlands Metro, Mr Williams has previously held senior positions at Keolis UK, Manchester Metrolink and Sheffield Supertram.

He was also a project manager on the successful NET Phase II extension project in Nottingham and was also Managing Director of operations and maintenance company Transdev Edinburgh.

In his new role he will be responsible for helping fulfil the LRSSB’s commitment to further improving what is already one of the safest forms of public transport.

Mr Williams said: “Building on the excellent work already done by the LRSSB, alongside partners from across the sector, I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking the organisation to a new level.

“Since it was founded last year, it has already brought together a team of industry experts and safety professionals and is now well placed to lead on a wide range of initiatives that will have clear benefits for operators and the travelling public.”

Mr Williams is due to take up his new post on a part-time basis in the autumn, continuing to work for West Midlands Metro until the end of the year when he joins the LRSSB full-time.