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A leadership change has been confirmed at the top of Merseyrail as the service’s managing director returns to his former employer. Suzanne Grant has been appointed to lead the Liverpool City Region’s rail services.

Ms Grant will take the reins as Neil Grabham undertakes an interim post as managing director with East Midlands Railway. Mr Grabham came to Merseyrail having been EMR’s customer service director previously.

It is expected the handover will be in place until April next year. Ms Grant has been with Merseyrail since 2012. She joined the organisation as marketing manager in 2012 and has since held a number of senior roles, including commercial director, before becoming chief commercial officer and deputy managing director two years ago.

Ms Grant worked closely with colleagues at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority on major customer-focused improvements, including the launch of Tap and Go across the City Region in 2025. Mr Grabham joined Merseyrail in July 2023 from EMR and returns to the operator following the departure of Will Rogers with immediate effect.

It is thought this is with a view to spending more time with family.

In a statement on her appointment, Ms Grant said: “I am very proud to be taking on the role of interim managing director at Merseyrail.

“This is a business I care deeply about, and I know how much pride our colleagues take in delivering a railway that matters to the communities we serve.

“My focus for the next eight months will be on providing stability and continuity for our people, our passengers and our partners, while continuing to build on the progress already being made across the network.”

Mr Grabham added: “Suzanne knows Merseyrail, our people and our customers exceptionally well, and I have complete confidence in her ability to guide the business through this interim period.

“She has made a significant contribution to Merseyrail over many years and brings strong commercial experience, sound judgement and a clear focus on delivering for passengers. I know the business will be in very capable hands.”

In a statement issued by Transport UK, the private sector operator of Merseyrail and EMR, Mr Grabham added: “I am genuinely pleased to be returning to EMR on an interim basis and to have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues once again.

“EMR has always held a special place for me, and I know first-hand the dedication, professionalism and commitment that exists across the business.

“I look forward to reconnecting with colleagues and supporting the team as we continue to deliver for our customers and communities.”