THE man who steered Arriva through one of the UK's longest running industrial disputes has decided to retire.

Euan Cameron will step down as executive director of Arriva Trains on December 31, after spending three years with the transport group's rail division.

The bus and rail operator said Mr Cameron had made a significant contribution to the development of its train services, which include the Arriva Trains Northern and Wales and Borders rail franchises.

Bob Davies, Arriva chief executive, said: "Euan has helped to establish Arriva's long-term position in the UK rail sector and we wish him well."

Mr Cameron joined Arriva in January 2001 as managing director of its UK rail division and was appointed to the main board as an executive director in May 2001.

Arriva Trains clashed with the Rail and Maritime Union in a pay dispute that started at the beginning of last year and ended earlier this year.

Mr Cameron was also in charge when the company, which bought Merseyrail train operator MTL in 2000, lost the contract to run the franchise to a consortium comprising Serco and Dutch Railways.

He also oversaw Arriva's successful bid to run the Wales and Borders franchise, which the group took over on December 7.

Mr Cameron worked for British Rail until privatisation in 1996 and subsequently worked for another transport group, Go Ahead, as managing director of its train operating companies.