20.02.13
RDG appoints Graham Smith as director-general
Graham Smith has been appointed the director-general of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). The announcement came as the group was formalised as a company limited by guarantee on February 18.
FirstGroup’s Tim O’Toole has been appointed as the chairman of the RDG and Network Rail boss Sir David Higgins is deputy chairman.
The RDG was created to respond to McNulty’s challenge for leadership and cross-industry decision making at the highest level.
O’Toole said: “Leadership comes from deeds and actions; it is not something that is created by legal structures. However, by making participation the RDG an obligation we can ensure that the most senior people in the industry are focused on achieving the Group’s objectives of setting the policies and strategies for a growing railway.
“Graham brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the post of director-general. He has been instrumental in the development of the Group since its formation ensuring that the RDG focuses on cross-industry efficiencies in areas such as asset management, technology, innovation and working practices.
“The RDG is the principal resource for Government as it tackles the critical issues for the railway such as franchising, capacity provision and improved efficiency.”
Graham Smith said: “It is an honour to be appointed as Director-General of the RDG. Members of the Group have an unparalleled breadth and depth of knowledge and experience and I look forward to supporting them in their leadership of the rail industry.
“I recognise that leadership brings a responsibility to communicate and engage with the wider railway industry, its users, funders, suppliers and representative bodies. I will ensure that the RDG listens to the views of all these stakeholders and keeps them informed of the Group’s progress.”
For more on the Rail Delivery Group, see the Feb/March edition of RTM: www.railtechnologymagazine.com/subscribe
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