Virgin Rail Group announced on 20 August 2007 that Charles Belcher is to retire from Virgin Trains after four-and-a-half years as Managing Director, Virgin West Coast.

He will be succeeded by Chris Gibb, currently Managing Director of Virgin CrossCountry and one of the most respected figures in the rail industry.

After leading the successful Virgin CrossCountry franchise since 2003, Chris will take over the West Coast network from 31 August, with Charles assisting in the handover. Chris will also continue as Managing Director Virgin CrossCountry until 11 November, when Arriva will take on the Cross Country franchise.