Introducing Linda Branäng, Head of Distribution Portfolio & Support

At SilverRail, we’re not just about trains and tech- we’re all about our people. We’re a key player in the rail industry, not only leading the way in transforming the way people move but also placing a strong emphasis on the happiness and the growth of our employees. In a field where innovation is paramount, we stand out not just for our advancements but also for our commitments to building a vibrant and inclusive company culture. We are dedicated to empowering and championing our workforce, employees are not merely contributors but integral members of a tight-knit community.

We are thrilled to highlight the wonderful individuals we have at SilverRail. Each team member brings unique skills, dedication, and perspectives to the table, contributing to the overall success of our organisation. In this blog, we will shine a light on Linda Branäng, the Head of Distribution Portfolio and Support at SilverRail.

What do you do at SilverRail?

I am the head of the supporting services team which helps our customers with accreditations, customer requests, training, support and assistance with functional questions for our agent tools. I also manage the distribution product portfolio which amongst other products includes Sales API, Agent tool (Linkonline) and ticket delivery.

What are you most excited about in your role?

My dual role allows me to focus on the technical and functional sides of the business, allowing for me to work with both the finer details and with strategic tasks. My experience from working within the travel industry for 20 years combined with my knowledge of product and service delivery, provides me with many insights and advantages.

And what’s the biggest challenge?

There is a lot happening in the industry as a whole and a lot of change happening within the Swedish market at the moment. It is crucial to keep up with the latest rail news and to ensure that we focus development on the right areas. Having a clear vision and prioritising is essential.

What is your rail background?

Before joining SRT in April 2019, I had only worked with trains as a travel agent, booking train tickets for business travellers. Earlier on in my career I attended training and became a certified agent of domestic and international train tickets.

Apart from that, I have been in the travel industry since 1998- initially at a travel agency and then on the technology side, working with the self-booking tools and agent tools that the industry uses.

Where do you see the future of rail?

I think that train travel will increase and that the national and commercial train operators in Europe will eventually become closer to each other through collaborations and standards; similar to how the airline industry changed many years ago. I think that would improve the traveller experience. As of right now, train hopping with the Interrail cards has become bigger and I think that will continue. I also think that larger companies and corporations will increase encouragement to use the train for business travel wherever possible. Initiatives such as compensation for the extra travel time could become more common, and thus increase the willingness to take the extra travel via train.

What is the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

As a student I participated in some courses with mechanical engineers, one of these courses was held at a vacuum cleaner factory and I was required to assemble a vacuum cleaner hose. I also completed an internship with a ski tour operator who arranged bus trips to Norway and piste tours.

Describe what you were like at age 10.

At 10 I was doing the things you did in the 80s as a child, building huts, cycling in the forest, making ice sleds to go sledding on and building landscapes and tunnels for my Märklin train track- I apparently had an interest in trains as a little girl.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I love being in the archipelago and for many years I have sailed for several weeks every summer with my family. In winter I like to spend time skiing. I also enjoy cooking, preferably on the weekends when I can let it take time and finally enjoy a nice meal with loved ones.

Do you have any interesting facts about yourself?

I'm terrified of roller coasters but love to ride a water slide!