BW vice chairman announced

The Minister said: "I am delighted that Richard Bowker has accepted my offer to be the vice chair of the Board of British Waterways. He will bring strong support to the chair through his good balance of excellent commercial experience and his understanding of the waterways from a user's perspective. Richard is a keen and committed narrow boater having cruised extensively around the network. He therefore has great empathy with users. His experience and sound judgement will, I am sure, make him an effective deputy for Tony Hales as chair."

Richard (42) joined BW's Board in August 2004. He brings with him huge experience and knowledge of transport and infrastructure and is Group chief executive of National Express Group Plc and the former chairman and chief executive of the Strategic Rail Authority. Richard also has a deep interest in countryside and heritage issues and is a Board member of the Countryside Alliance, a trustee of the Settle-Carlisle Railway Trust and the deputy president of the Heritage Railway Association.