21.05.18
New Network Rail chief executive announced
Network Rail has announced that Andrew Haines OBE will become its new chief executive.
After leaving his current post as a board member and chief executive of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Haines will take up his role in the early autumn following a period of handover with current chief executive Mark Carne.
Prior to his current position at the CAA, he had a wide-ranging career in the rail industry as managing director of South West Trains, and then as managing director of the Rail Division for First Group PLC.
Haines’ salary will be £588,000 including benefits, which is 27% lower than Carne’s current package.
Network Rail chair, Sir Peter Hendy, said: “I am absolutely delighted to announce Andrew’s appointment. He was the most outstanding candidate in a highly competitive appointment process. Andrew’s broad experience of rail and transport, and his reputation for relentless delivery and improvement makes him the ideal candidate to carry on with the transformation of Network Rail that has been led by Mark Carne.
“Andrew will drive delivery of the railway improvements set out in the strategic business plan for 2019/2024, ensuring Network Rail’s continuing focus on safety, performance and cost effectiveness, and thus delivering a better experience for the millions of passengers who travel every day on our railways.”
Haines, who began his career as a left luggage clerk at London Victoria, said he was “passionate about improving the services that the railways provide to customers and the wider economy.”
“It will be an immense privilege to work alongside the dedicated, professional colleagues at Network Rail and many partner organisations to deliver closer working between track and train, embed devolution and turning the digital railway strategy into reality whilst efficiently delivering on challenging safety, operational, engineering and investment commitments,” he added.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling welcomed the appointment, commenting: “Under Andrew’s leadership I look forward to Network Rail continuing its transformation into devolved route businesses, working in partnership with train operators to improve performance for passengers.”
Grayling added that Carne had made “an enormous contribution to the rail industry” and will leave behind an impressive legacy including the successful delivery of vital national projects such as the new London Bridge station.
The rest of the industry also extended a warm welcome to the new rail chief, with Darren Caplan, CEO of the Railway Industry Association, wishing him luck in the challenges ahead.
“We look forward to Andrew being a strong advocate of a sustainable rail supply chain, ensuring it is an engaged partner in Network Rail’s decision-making process and that Network Rail works with the supply sector to ensure the very best for those that use the UK’s rail network, and for taxpayers too,” continued Caplan.
“We also thank Mark Carne for all he has done at Network Rail. He has overseen a huge change in the way Network Rail runs the railway system, through the devolution of Network Rail’s route businesses and a shift to a more outward-looking organisation that is able to promote innovation and new methods of working. We wish him well for the future.”
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