TRAIN operator East Coast has appointed Jo North as customer service director.

Ms North joins East Coast from her post as commercial director at Northern Rail. She succeeds Denise Lennos, who steps down from her role to pursue other interests.

Karen Boswell, managing director of East Coast, said Ms North was joining the organisation at a “pivotal moment”. East Coast took over the route from franchise holder National Express.

Under its remit, East Coast has two years before the franchise is re-let to the private sector. During that time, East Coast has the task of building on the previous achievements in day-to-day performance and delivering investment in stations, trains, technology and staff.

Ms North, 40, will take board responsibility for the company’s internal and external communications. She has held her post with Northern Rail for more than three years.