Directors

We have a tiered management structure overseen by the board of directors. The day to day management of the business is carried out by the operational directors.

Kirk Taylor | Managing Director

Kirk has a proven track record with over 20 years in the construction industry, the last ten years involving work on the railway infrastructure, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the leadership of the company.

Kirk joined Stobart Rail in 1998 as a foreman with his role expanding to involve estimating, programming and planning of projects through delivery to completion. He initiated and developed the logistics team enabling in-house capability to provide transport for all plant and materials as well as on-site management of delivery teams.

In 2004 he assumed responsibility of the Plant Division and was a major influence in setting up the administration team which manage an annual turnover of five million pounds.

In 2007 Kirk was appointed director of Stobart Rail and has been instrumental in producing a strategy to ensure the company’s continued success and maintain its position as market leader in this expertise-driven category. In 2009 Kirk took on the role of MD.

Kirk is married and enjoys spending his spare time with his two sons.


Andy Richardson | Operations Director

Andy joined the company back in 1998 bringing a wealth of railway experience with him; he used to work for British Rail, principally on the Settle and Carlisle line.

Today Andy is responsible for all the functions associated with liaising with Network Rail particularly the operational interface e.g. possession planning and safe systems of work. Andy was involved in the preparation and acceptance of Stobart Rail's Plant Operators & Principle Contractors License. He is the nominated Competent Person for Rail Operations approved by Network Rail and HMRI/HSE. He also has responsibility for the departments of Training, IT & Health, Safety and Quality.

Andy’s recreations involve many sports, notably rallying. He is married with two teenage daughters.


David Garner | Finance Director

Since 2007 David has been responsible for the finances of Stobart Rail. He formally worked for MyTravel Group as Finance Director for their Cruise Division, Unilever, British Aerospace and Tennaco Ltd.

Work aside David enjoys watching sport, walking his black labrador and he is a Preston North End Season ticket holder.




Liam Martin | Contracts Director

Liam joined Stobart Rail in July 2005 as Project Delivery Manager. He previously spent eight years working in construction and engineering management roles for Railtrack and a well known project management consultancy. On completion of his first degree in Geology (BSc Hons), Liam joined Railtrack’s Graduate Management programme, he then moved into a project management role and managed a variety of complex and large value railway engineering projects.

This was followed by the post of senior consultant which involved the project management for a wide range of construction based projects as well as general management consultancy assignments. During this time he also secured further management qualifications including a Postgraduate Certificate in Management (PGCM) & Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management (PGDip).

During Stobart Rail's re-organisation in early 2007, Liam was appointed to the position of Contracts Director with responsibility for the Commercial, Procurement, Tendering & Business Development functions of the business.

Liam is married with a son.


Keith Winnery | Rail Director - Infrastructure Engineering

Keith is a career railway man with over 35 years working within the rail industry. He has held many different roles throughout his career but always within the civil engineering discipline. Keith still enjoys a challenge, devising innovative ways of overcoming difficulties and time constraints that civil engineering within the railways imposes.

Today Keith works as Rail Director covering the full range of rail engineering. He first joined the company under its previous name of WA Developments in March 2000, after working closely with the company in his roles at Jarvis and Railtrack. He rejoined the in 2009 following time as a rail consultant to a number of principal contractors within the rail industry.

Keith has been married for thirty years and has two grown-up children. In his spare time he enjoys skiing and fell walking with his wife. He keeps fit by recreational running and has completed the London Marathon three times and other events raising money for charity.