TheTrainLine announces new chief executive

TheTrainLine announces new chief executive

Press release – 12 September 2008 – TheTrainLine UK independent rail retailer, thetrainline.com, today announced that Murray Hennessy has been appointed chief executive officer. Murray was most recently chief executive of Avis Europe plc, prior to which he was Commercial Director for John Lewis Department Stores, with specific responsibility for the business’s online activities. Murray…

Press release – 12 September 2008 – TheTrainLine


UK independent rail retailer, thetrainline.com, today announced that Murray Hennessy has been appointed chief executive officer.


Murray was most recently chief executive of Avis Europe plc, prior to which he was Commercial Director for John Lewis Department Stores, with specific responsibility for the business’s online activities.


Murray assumes responsibility for accelerating the growth of thetrainline.com in the consumer market and building on its strength in providing online solutions for the rail and travel industries. He takes over from Alan Tomlin who left at the end of August.


John Kelly, chairman of thetrainline.com, said: “We are extremely excited about the appointment of Murray as CEO. He brings a wealth of top level management experience and knowledge across the retail and travel sectors, particularly with online channels. Murray is distinctly qualified to continue thetrainline.com’s growth.


“Murray’s appointment will add to our strengthened leadership team, and we’re all delighted that he has accepted this role. Murray takes over an outstanding business and the Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Tomlin for his personal commitment to the growth of the business over the last nine years.  We wish him well for the future.”


Murray Hennessy added: “I am extremely excited to be joining thetrainline.com and leading the company forward. The company has a fine track record and has built a very strong platform for further success in an industry experiencing accelerated growth.”


Murray was CEO of Avis Europe from 2004 to 2007, prior to which he spent three years with John Lewis Department Stores.


Murray joined as MD of John Lewis Direct in 2001 following the sale of Buy.Com (UK) Ltd where he was Chief Executive. He is credited with creating John Lewis’ highly successful internet business before being appointed Commercial Director of John Lewis Partnership in 2002.


Murray has also held senior positions at Pepsico Restaurant Services and Tricon Global Restaurants, the world’s largest restaurant group which comprised brands such as Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell. He previously was a consultant at Bain & Co. Consulting Group in Boston, London and Tokyo.



Raised in England, Ireland and the U.S., Murray holds a BA in Economics at Williams College in Massachusetts and a diploma from Institut D’Etudes Politiques in Paris.  He also has an MBA from Harvard University and is fluent in French. Murray holds both U.S. and Irish citizenship, and is married with three children.