A former British Library and housing association executive is set to join train operator Northern as its new Head of IT.
David Sparling, who hails from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has almost 30 years of IT industry experience.
He began his career as a Software Developer at First Direct bank, and went on to hold a number of senior IT roles at HSBC, managing people and projects across the world.
More recently, he was Head of IT at The British Library, before taking on the role of Chief Technology Officer at Anchor Trust, a specialist housing and care provider for people in later life.
Northern said that, in his new role, David will build on the activity already underway across the train operator’s fleet, station estate, crew bases and office facilities.
He will also develop the IT strategy to ensure it supports the train operator’s business plan.
Commenting on his appointment, Sparling said: “I’ve been interested in the railway most of my life and I’m really excited to join Northern.
“I am looking forward to getting to know how the business works, to see what opportunities technology can bring to support colleagues and customers.
“I’m also looking forward to getting into the industry and seeing what my experience in leading technology can bring to it”.