SETTLE man, former soldier Richard Hinds joined rail operator Northern this week as its new head of finance.

Mr Hinds, previously spent seven years with Exertis – a subsidiary of DCC Plc and a leading distributor of technology products.

In his new role as finance director, he will oversee a broad range of corporate services for Northern - the second largest train operator in the UK with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

An experienced senior executive, Mr Hinds has held senior roles with Flogas Britain Plc and Speedy Hire Plc.

From 1996 to 2000 he served with HM Forces and was a platoon commander of the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment.

Nick Donovan, managing director of Northern, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Richard to our director team.

“He brings with him a wealth of experience and big picture thinking that is essential in a business the size and scale of Northern.”

Mr Hinds added: “I’m looking forward to working with the team at Northern and contributing to our vision to make a positive impact for the North, getting our customers where they need to be, safely, affordably and on time.”

Northern is owned by Northern Trains Ltd, a subsidiary of the Department for Transport’s public sector owning group DfT OLR Holdings Limited (DOHL).