An individual award was presented to Kathryn Lancaster, who received the Distinguished Service Award, an honor recognizing long-term contributions to the industry.
With nearly four decades of experience, Kathryn has been recognized for making a significant impact through her roles in strategic communications and professional community development.
“I am incredibly proud and deeply humbled to receive the Distinguished Service Award,” said Kathryn Lancaster, Communications Manager at Alstom and co-organizer of The Greatest Gathering. She noted that the railway industry has been her “home” throughout her career and that she feels fortunate to have worked alongside so many extraordinary people who are deeply passionate about this industry. Kathryn also emphasized that the award is actually the result of the contributions of colleagues, partners, and volunteers who have always supported her, challenged her, and shared the same belief that the railway industry is about people, communities, and opportunities.
Alstom Wins Operational Excellence Award
In fact, the “The Greatest Gathering” project organized by Alstom at the Derby Litchurch Lane Works also received the Operational Excellence Award in recognition of the successful execution of this large-scale and complex event.
This event was one of the largest rail exhibitions ever organized by Alstom, bringing together hundreds of rail vehicles from various eras, including classic and modern models. It provided visitors with the opportunity to witness the evolution of rail technology up close in a single location. The event attracted over 40,000 visitors and showcased more than 140 rail vehicles, making it one of the largest rail festivals in the United Kingdom.
From an operational viewpoint, organizing this event involved coordinating logistics, safety, and large-scale visitor management, making it a significant achievement in terms of operational efficiency. It also served as a public engagement platform connecting the rail industry with the general public.
These two awards are clear proof that Alstom is not simply an industry player, but a key driver of transformation in the rail sector.