Maurice James has spoken out in the past about the need for rail to play an increased role in the movement of freight

RAIL and logistics operator Qube has announced its managing director Maurice James is to step down from his role on 30 June.

He is to formally retire at the end of the year.

Chief operating officer Paul Digney is to take over as MD.

“Maurice indicated his desire to retire early last year but agreed to stay on to lead Qube through the COVID-19 pandemic and to the conclusion of the Moorebank monetisation process,” said chair Allan Davies.

“This period has given the board the opportunity to carefully identify his successor.

“After considering a range of external and internal candidates the Board has unanimously chosen chief operating officer Paul Digney to step up to managing director of Qube from July 1 this year.

“Paul has spent his entire working life in the port and logistics industries and was part of the original team which managed the assets which would later form the basis of Qube Holdings Ltd.”

Maurice James led Qube from the beginning and is highly regarded in the ports and logistics sectors.

He also has been outspoken about the need for effective rail solutions to move freight.