Willie Gallagher – Executive Chairman of tie – has resigned from his post due to family reasons. He will stay in the post until the end of November with plans for interim governance and management arrangements being presented at a Council meeting on 20th November.
Commenting about his departure, Mr Gallagher said: “I am very proud to have created a very strong team of engineering and construction professionals. They are more than equipped to deliver world-class trams for the people of Edinburgh and I look forward to seeing them run in 2011."
Cllr Jenny Dawe, Edinburgh City Council leader, added: “Willie has been crucial in bringing the tram project to life. He always impressed those he met with his skills and enthusiasm, and I am very disappointed to lose him at this point. However, I fully understand his reasons for leaving, given his personal circumstances, and support his decision. I am confident that we have a solid team going forward to deliver a world-class transport network for the city, many of whom have worked on other tram schemes and major construction projects."
Tom Aitchison, Chief Executive at Edinburgh City Council, said: “Edinburgh's trams would not have come this far without the skills and energy of Willie, and I thank him for his leadership and drive. Willie has created a high calibre team, who will ably ensure the construction process continues to runs smoothly and successfully. I am confident that Willie's legacy will be an organisation and staff who operate at the highest standards."
David Mackay, Transport Edinburgh Limited’s Chairman, commented: “Willie's leadership has seen the project move from a plan to becoming reality. He has guided Tie and Edinburgh trams through this complex and difficult stage and leaves Edinburgh on the cusp of a world-class public transport network. We would like to thank him for his dedication and professionalism and wish him well in the future."
Source: BBC News Online