The Severn Valley Railway has announced that it has approved the permanent appointment of Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster as managing director.
Gus has been fulfilling the role in an interim capacity since 1 March last year, following his retirement from a senior role with Avanti West Coast. He was already a well-known face at the SVR, having volunteered there for more than 30 years.
“This is great news for the railway,” said Chris Walton, the chairman of SVR (Holdings) Plc. “It’s yet another step in stabilising our organization, as we continue to meet the many challenges we face.”
Gus added:
“It’s been a pleasure to be the SVR’s interim MD for the past 11 months, as the railway works hard to counteract the long-term impacts of pandemic lockdowns, rocketing costs, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. It’s still early days, but there’s a very real sense that we are now firmly heading in the right direction.”