Hugh Boynton has retired from the post of Chief Executive and General Manager of The Isle of Wight Steam Railway, with effect from 31st December 2005. He has been replaced by Peter Vail who has taken up the post of General Manager with effect from 1st January 2006.
Hugh is standing down after nine years in the post. He first joined the IW Steam Railway on a short-term basis in October 1996 to assist with managing the finances of the business, but soon after was appointed Chief Executive and General Manager. Under his tenure, the operation of the Railway has been extensively re-shaped and, working with the paid and volunteer staff, Hugh has led the business through a period of sustained growth and excellent financial health.

Paying tribute to Hugh's success, Steam Railway Chairman John Suggett said, "In 1996 we were looking for someone with strong business skills to help our largely volunteer-run operation. Hugh was already well-known in Island business circles and we were aware of his success in helping other local businesses to flourish. In the past nine years, we've moved from a business reliant on loans and overdrafts, to one with a positive cash-flow, no borrowings and a successful programme of re-investment in the Railway. With Hugh at the helm, we've been able to expand, carrying out a number of impressive improvements to our infrastructure".

Hugh and his management team have spearheaded the development of new sidings and rolling stock storage space, and have doubled the size of the Railways catering and customer facilities. Steam locomotive 'Ajax' was returned to steam for the first time in over 35 years and another steam loco - 'Waggoner' - was acquired for preservation. In 2002 the Railway secured a substantial Heritage Lottery Fund grant to construct a purpose built carriage and wagon restoration facility, which was opened by The Queen in May 2004.

Hugh Boynton chats to Her Majesty The Queen during the 2004 Royal Visit.

Under Hugh's stewardship, the Railway has won a clutch of prestigious awards including:

Peter Vail joined the IW Steam Railway in April 2005 as Administration Manager and 'General Manager designate'. In this post he has spent the past eight months working closely with Hugh Boynton, before taking over from Hugh on January 1st 2006. For Peter, 48, the move to the IW Steam Railway signaled a change of direction, having enjoyed a successful career in commerce and banking with HSBC.

In announcing the appointment, IWSR Chairman John Suggett said, "Peter brings to the IW Steam Railway a superb mix of business and financial acumen, combined with a refreshingly new outlook on the Railway's further untapped potential. It's clear that Peter's enjoying his new role, getting on well with the people he works with and with visitors to the Railway. Naturally we're extremely pleased to secure someone of Peter's calibre, to continue and develop the good work of Hugh Boynton".

Peter Vail, the new General Manager of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

In his previous career, Peter's roles spanned management, strategic planning, sales and customer marketing. He has already set out ambitious plans for expanding on some of the annual visitor attractions at the Railway, and he is also planning new visitor events for the 2006 season.

Peter has moved to the Island from Nottinghamshire where he also served as a school governor and for some five years was HSBC's Area School Co-ordinator. His experience in educational circles will be put to good service with the IW Steam Railway, which, as a preservation organisation, is a registered educational charity.

Commenting on his appointment Peter said, "In many ways this role is worlds apart from my previous career. Where once I donned the pinstripe suit, I'm now often seen in overalls helping-out in the locomotive workshop! I and the team here look forward eagerly to taking forward the good work done by Hugh Boynton, preserving an important part of the Island's once-extensive railway system, and continuing to play our part in developing the Island's vital tourism industry".

Peter now lives in Bembridge with his partner, Sandra, who works with the Islands health services.