New rail leaders appointed as government advances plans for Great British Railways reform

Two senior rail leaders have been appointed at a pivotal moment for the UK railway, as the Government moves closer to establishing Great British Railways.

Richard George has been appointed Chair of Network Rail, the public body responsible for owning, operating, maintaining and developing Britain’s railway infrastructure. Sir Andrew Haines will become Chair of Department for Transport Operator Limited, the government body overseeing the transition of privately operated train services into public ownership ahead of the creation of Great British Railways. Both appointments take effect on 2 February 2026.

The appointments bring extensive industry experience to the heart of rail reform, supporting the Government’s ambition to better integrate track and train and deliver improved outcomes for passengers.

Richard George has more than 45 years of experience at senior levels across the UK transport sector and is currently Chair of DFTO. His career includes roles as Managing Director of Great Western Trains, HS1 Project Director for Eurostar, and advisor to the Department for Transport on rail performance and investment in the north of England. Prior to privatisation, he spent 20 years in railway management with British Rail.

Sir Andrew Haines most recently served as Chief Executive of Network Rail from 2018 to 2025, with a strong focus on passenger experience and performance improvement. His earlier career includes senior leadership roles at South West Trains and as Managing Director of the Rail Division at First Group plc.

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.”

Sir Andrew Haines said:
“I am delighted to be joining DFTO at this pivotal time, as it focuses on its mission of successfully bringing more services into public ownership, improving passenger experience and helping create Great British Railways.

“I look forward to working closely with so many talented colleagues from across the publicly owned train operating companies, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and the wider rail industry.”

Richard George said:
“I am delighted and honoured to be appointed Chair of Network Rail. The rail reform journey we are on towards the creation of Great British Railways is an exciting one with changes across all railway organisations, including Network Rail, as we work to create an integrated railway fit for the 21st century.

“But those changes must never be at the expense of safety and operational performance, and the whole system relies on Network Rail to deliver that.”

The appointments come as legislation to establish Great British Railways progresses through Parliament, marking the next phase in the Government’s programme of rail reform aimed at delivering a simpler, more reliable and passenger-focused railway.