The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has announced the appointment of Steve Backhouse as General Manager.
Steve will oversee the running of the entire Railway and work closely with teams to build upon the Railway’s sustained growth and recent successes.
Recruitment for the position began back in June and there was a great deal of interest in the role, but it was Steve’s background and forward-thinking that impressed the interview panel.
Steve grew up just across the Solent and remembers the Island and the Steam Railway fondly from family holidays, so much so he did work experience at Havenstreet when he was younger. He spent 17 years working for HF holidays. Most recently Steve has worked with Lakeland Arts managing a portfolio of their visitor attractions including Abbot Hall art gallery and Blackwell, the arts and crafts house.
Steve is looking forward to moving to the Island with his wife and daughter and in a statement he said:
“I’m very proud to have been appointed as General Manager of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. I’m looking forward to working with the team and as a member of the Railway for a number of years I’m excited to be part of this Island institution.”
Peter Taylor, acting General Manager, commented:
“the Railway’s progress over recent years has been particularly pleasing and I look forward to handing the reigns of the Railway into Steve’s capable hands. These are very exciting times and I’m looking forward to seeing the Railway move to the next level under Steve’s leadership”.
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