Most fathers manage only one delivery in a year: Richard Bowker, chief executive and proud dad, has enjoyed several. Today, when he unveils the new National Express brand at the World Travel Market in London, it will be a considerably more relaxed affair than it was in August. Then, as news came through that National Express had scooped the ten-year franchise for the Intercity East Coast rail line, he was driving his wife to hospital for the birth of his second son, Charlie.

The pressure had been building on the 41-year-old after losing two rail franchises in quick succession and as rumours swirled that National Express was pulling out of rail for good. It was rather ironic, considering that one of Mr Bowker’s previous jobs was head of the Strategic Rail Authority – the very body that used to award the franchises.

The Leicester University graduate has transport in his blood. His father worked for Stagecoach and he began his career in the industry with London Underground. Later he moved into railway financing with Babcock & Brown and then was spotted by Sir Richard Branson, who made him group commercial director of Virgin Group and co-chairman of Virgin Rail at 31.

Mr Bowker, who married in 2002, enjoys playing the piano and canal boating. The chartered management accountant, who likes to wear the trademark tieless Virgin uniform, is also a nonexecutive director of British Waterways.