27 Jul 2026
Operator representation on the board of the UK’s light safety body has been strengthened with the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director.
The Managing Director of KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM), Damien Chabas, joins the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board as part of an ongoing restructuring of the organisation’s governance structure.
George Lowder, LRSSB Chair, explained: "We’ve been hugely encouraged by the response from the managing directors of UK systems to a call for one of them to join our Board.
“Damien’s appointment as an NED was confirmed during our latest board meeting, and to have representation from the operator of the UK’s largest light rail system reflects the growing influence of the LRSSB at an exciting time for the wider light rail sector.”
The Managing Director for KAM since July 2023, Damien has previously held the positions of Director of Service Delivery and Director of Customer Experience and Growth.
Prior to joining the operator in 2019, he worked at Yarra Trams (KeolisDowner) in Melbourne, Australia, in senior positions across business strategy, operations, and customer services.
In addition to having more than 15 years of international experience in mass transit, Damien also holds master’s degrees in international business and business management.
Following his appointment to the LRSSB board, Damien said: “I am privileged to join the organisation at such a pivotal time for the sector. Ensuring the highest levels of safety is a collective, continuous responsibility.
“I look forward to collaborating with the Board to champion robust standards, mitigate existing and emerging risks, and ensure existing light rail systems remain safe, reliable, and trusted in our ever-changing environment. Securing these foundations is also vital as we support the development of new mass transit schemes across the UK.”