Dehenna Davison
Former Levelling Up Minister and Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison has been appointed Chief Growth Officer of Holdham Group, joining the executive leadership team as the County Durham-based transport and tourism business prepares for its next stage of growth.
The appointment comes as Holdham Group continues a period of rapid expansion, having established itself as one of the UK’s fastest-growing privately owned transport businesses.
Founded by Durham-based, 23-year-old entrepreneur Luke Allan Holmes, the Group has developed a diverse portfolio of companies spanning rail retail, tourism, events and specialist transport services. From its base in Durham, the Group has developed a growing reputation for delivering premium rail experiences and investing in regional growth.
Luke Allan Holmes, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Holdham Group, said:
“When I founded Holdham Group, I wanted to build a business that thought differently about transport, tourism and customer experience. We’ve made incredible progress in a short period of time, but I genuinely believe we’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible.
We’ve deliberately built a leadership team with experience from different worlds. Dehenna understands government, economic growth and strategic leadership, but she also shares our entrepreneurial mindset and ambition to build something exceptional.
We’re building something for the long term. We’ve invested in great businesses, great people and great experiences, and we’re assembling a team capable of taking Holdham Group to the next level. Dehenna will be a huge part of that journey.”
Luke Allan Holmes.
On her appointment, Dehenna Davison said:
“Despite everything Holdham Group has already achieved, there’s an unmistakable sense that this is a business whose journey is only just beginning.
Holdham Group has created something genuinely exciting. Its ambition, energy and clear vision for the future made this an opportunity I simply couldn’t pass up. There is a real entrepreneurial spirit, a willingness to think differently, and a determination to keep raising the bar.
When I was fortunate enough to represent Bishop Auckland in Parliament, I saw first-hand the difference ambitious businesses can make to local communities. Watching a North East business grow, create opportunities for local people and succeed on a national stage is something that genuinely excites me, so I’m incredibly proud to be joining Luke and the wider team at such a defining point in the company’s development.
I look forward to building new partnerships, unlocking new opportunities, and helping shape the next phase of the Group’s growth.”
Over the past twelve months, Holdham Group has expanded rapidly, investing in new ventures, strengthening its executive leadership and broadening its presence across transport, tourism, and visitor experiences.
Its portfolio includes Bishop Trains, the independent rail retailer based at Bishop Auckland Station; Excursions By Rail, which earlier this year launched the premium dining experience High Speed Sonnet; and Holdham Events, operator of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh under licence from Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Rail Events Inc.
As Chief Growth Officer, Ms Davison will lead the Group’s strategic growth agenda, overseeing commercial partnerships, business development, corporate affairs and long-term expansion opportunities.
The appointment reflects Holdham Group’s long-term ambition as it continues to invest in its people, expand its portfolio and pursue new opportunities across the UK and internationally, building on its evolution from an ambitious North East business into one of the UK’s fastest-growing transport and tourism groups.
