15.09.04

Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited has appointed Ian Pritchard as its new Head of Communications. Mr Pritchard has responsibility for Porterbrook's external and internal communication, brand strategy, press and media affairs and publicity.

Keith Howard, Porterbrook's Commercial Director commented

"I am delighted that we have been able to strengthen our commercial team by making this appointment. Ian will be able to give renewed emphasis to Porterbrook's positioning and profile at a time when the industry is facing new challenges and undergoing major structural change."

"Porterbrook recognises the importance of proactive communication with all of its customers and stakeholders,"

"Providing dedicated focus to this aspect of our business will enable us to continue to keep the rail community abreast of developments in our fleet and range of services."

Mr Pritchard, who joins Porterbrook from Hunslet-Barclay where he was Sales and Marketing Manager, took up the role on 31st August, based at Porterbrook's Derby offices. Since starting his career as a marketing graduate with BREL in 1988, Ian has accumulated a breadth of railway industry experience, having previously worked in a number of commercial management, projects and communications roles for organisations including West Coast Traincare, ADtranz and WS Atkins. - Ends -

Notes to Editors:

Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited ("Porterbrook") is a leading player in the rail leasing market. Porterbrook has a rolling stock fleet of over 5,500 vehicles on lease or on order, which includes about 4,000 passenger vehicles. These are supplied under operating leases to 18 of the 25 Train Operating Companies (TOCs) within the UK. The company also provides ongoing train maintenance services.

Porterbrook has been highly successful in winning new train orders since privatisation, with over £1.6 billion in new business won - investing in over 1,500 new passenger vehicles and over 1,200 new freight locomotives and wagons, and in the refurbishment of much of its in-fleet equipment. In April 2000 the Porterbrook group of companies was acquired by Abbey National.