Ian Brown: Trainline names former Paddy Power ownerโs chief as its new boss
Rail ticketing platform Trainline has announced the appointment of Ian Brown, previously the UK and Ireland head of Flutter Entertainment, as its new chief executive.
Mr Brown is set to join the company on 7 September for a transition period, before officially assuming the top position on 28 September.
He succeeds Jody Ford, who revealed his intention to depart in February after more than six years at the helm.
His extensive career includes serving as chief executive of Flutter Entertainment’s UK and Ireland division, and prior to that, leading the technology and managed services provider ANS Group.
He also previously headed the trips business unit at online travel agency Booking.com.
Brian McBride, Trainline chairman, said: โIan brings a strong track record in scaling digital platforms and marketplace businesses, with significant experience in online travel.
โI look forward to working closely with Ian to build on the momentum Trainline has generated as Europeโs leading rail app.โ
Panmure Liberum analyst Sean Kealy said the move โlooks like a good appointment given (his) experience at Booking.comโ.
But shares in Trainline fell 5 per cent despite the announcement, with the stock having already been under pressure over the past year, down by nearly a quarter.
Mr Brown said: โTrainline has built a strong customer proposition by continually innovating to make rail travel easier for millions of people across the UK and Europe.
โIt is a business with real purpose, scale and significant opportunities ahead.โ
Trainlineโs former chief executive, Mr Ford, has led the company through a turbulent period and helped its UK net ticket sales more than double.
But the hefty share price falls for the FTSE 250 listed firm come as it operates in a fast-changing market.
It has been hit by the rollout of the Governmentโs contactless payment network across UK stations, allowing passengers to tap-in and tap-out with bank cards and pay the guaranteed best fare available at that time of day.
There are fears over the impact of this on its UK consumer division, although Trainline also has operations across Europe and is notching up growth spurred on by the rail liberalisation and greater competition across the Continent.
