Alstom honours Ken Davies’ 50-year railway career with locomotive naming and farewell celebration

Ken Davies poses next to a 1968 Leyland Panther bus with Avanti West Coast’s Class 390 Pendolino 390200 in the background

(IN BRIEF) Alstom has celebrated the retirement of Movements Manager Ken Davies, who steps down after more than 50 years in the railway industry. Beginning as a signaller’s messenger in 1975, Ken rose through operational and management roles, joining Alstom in 2002 where he played a leading role in operations and safety initiatives such as the Zero Deviation Plan. His farewell at Liverpool Traincare Centre included a symbolic final drive of a Class 390 Pendolino and a nostalgic trip on a vintage bus. Earlier this year, Ken was honoured with a locomotive naming and a song written by musician Bill Ryder-Jones. His family’s deep railway heritage spans over 157 years. Alstom praised his career as a model for future rail professionals.

(PRESS RELEASE) SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, 1-Sept-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Alstom has paid tribute to Ken Davies, its long-serving Movements Manager, who retired this week after more than 50 years in the railway industry. Ken, who began his career as a signaller’s messenger in 1975, has become one of the most respected figures on Britain’s railways, with colleagues even naming a locomotive in his honour earlier this year.

A special send-off was held at Alstom’s Liverpool Traincare Centre on 29 August, bringing together around 50 colleagues and many of the trains that have been part of Ken’s working life, including a Class 390 Pendolino. As part of his final shift, Ken himself drove Avanti West Coast’s 390200 back into the Edge Hill depot for servicing, before boarding a vintage 1968 Leyland Panther bus provided by the Merseyside Transport Trust – where he has been an active member – for a nostalgic tour of Liverpool.

Reflecting on his career, Ken said: “I decided at the age of four that I wanted to work on the railway, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the railway family through every challenge and every success. While I am looking forward to a break, I know this won’t be the last time I find myself involved – the railway has a way of staying with you.”

Ken’s railway journey began on the Wirral, progressing through signalling and traincrew roles before moving into senior traffic management. Joining Alstom in 2002, he oversaw operations along the West Coast Main Line and at the Old Dalby Test Track. His most recent responsibility was ensuring safety during operational changes, particularly the introduction of new fleets, where he played a key role in embedding Alstom’s Zero Deviation Plan across the UK and Ireland.

Ben Cooke, General Manager at Alstom, said: “Ken’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. His dedication, knowledge and passion have helped shape the safe and reliable railway we see today. We are proud to celebrate his achievements and grateful for the inspiration he has given to colleagues. At Alstom, we are committed to creating meaningful careers like Ken’s for the next generation of rail professionals.”

The celebrations come in a year marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, a milestone that also reflects the long-standing connection of Ken’s family to the industry, with more than 157 years of service shared across three generations. His grandfather worked at Tuebrook Sidings, his father was a driver, and his sister served as a guard in Cornwall for 20 years.

Earlier in 2025, Ken was honoured at Alstom’s Widnes site when a Class 08 locomotive (08721) was fitted with a plaque carrying his name. The locomotive later featured at The Greatest Gathering in Derby, the world’s largest assembly of historic and modern trains, where it played a vital role in moving exhibits. Adding to the celebrations, musician Bill Ryder-Jones composed and performed a song, Climbing The Shap Again, inspired by Ken’s five decades in rail, as part of BBC Radio 2’s 21st Century Folk series.

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Thomas Antoine
VP, Corporate Media Relations & e-reputation

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SOURCE: ALSTOM