A set of two new rail leaders have been appointed to oversee the United Kingdom’s railway as the industry prepares for one of the biggest changes in its history.
Richard George and Sir Andrew Haines have officially been appointed as the new Chair of Network Rail and Chair of Department for Transport Operator Limited (DFTO), respectively.
The two new appointments have been made in preparation for the official launch of Great British Railways
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Both appointees have storied histories with the rail industry, and will aim to support the Government’s overall mission to combine track and train, combining the nation’s private rail companies to form one publicly owned entity – Great British Railways.
With 45 years of experience; Richard George is the current Chair of the DFTO, and has spent time as Managing Director of Great Western Trains and HS1 Project Director for Eurostar. He has also been an advisor to the Department for Transport, and, prior to privatisation, he spent 20 years with British Rail.
Having overseen rail and transport at the highest level; Sir Andrew Haines most recently served as CEO of Network Rail between 2018 and 2025, where he focused on putting passengers first and driving improved performance. Previously, he has held positions including Managing Director of South West Trains and Managing Director of the Rail Division for First Group plc.
Both new appointees will take their positions on Monday 02 February.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
With legislation now making its way through Parliament, we’re making good progress with our ambitious programme of rail reform. When Great British Railways is established, it will help us to deliver a network which is run for the public, owned by the public.
Richard and Sir Andrew both bring a wealth of experience, helping to improve passenger experience and operational performance, supporting the integration of our railways and building towards the world-class railway we will see under Great British Railways.
I’d like to thank Mike Putnam for his work overseeing Network Rail at this pivotal time. I’m pleased we will continue to benefit from his knowledge and skills as he remains part of the Network Rail board.