06.02.18
Mark Carne to step down as Network Rail chief executive
Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne is to step down from his role after four years in charge.
The announcement comes weeks after Network Rail told the public that Carne was doing a “terrific job” and that his position was not in jeopardy.
The former Shell boss is to step down later this year, giving the organisation time to choose a new CEO before the beginning of the next control period.
Responding to Carne’s decision, Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy applauded the “outstanding job” that the chief executive had done in the role.
“His leadership steadied the ship during the challenging transition to a public sector organisation and he has been the architect behind the huge positive changes in the company, driving transformation, devolution and efficiency, with an emphasis on equality and diversity too” Hendy said.
“Three years ago, he set out a strategic vision for a digital railway transformation which is now becoming a reality in our plans. Throughout this, he has maintained a determined focus on delivering the biggest upgrades to the railway in a hundred years.
“Perhaps his biggest legacy, however, is the change in safety culture that he has very personally led and which has done so much to make the railway and our workforce safer.”
The chairman confirmed that the two had discussed Carne’s retirement and decided on a timescale which would allow him to submit the upcoming strategic business plan ahead of the beginning of the next control period in April 2019.
Rumours that the CEO was likely to leave had been circulating for a number of months, prompting Network Rail officials to hit out at critics and claim he was in no danger of being removed.
Carne himself, said it had been a “privilege” to lead to organisation in a time of huge change and investment.
“I planned the timing of my announcement so there was stability while we developed the business plan for the next five-year regulatory period, but so that there will also enough time for my successor to be firmly in place when it starts,” he stated.
“I will leave knowing that the railway is in good hands and has a great plan for the future.”
The announcement has seen Carne applauded for his efforts by those in the rail industry, with transport secretary Chris Grayling hailing the CEO’s “excellent job.”
“He has provided very strong industry leadership on safety and digital rail, and Network Rail has significantly improved the railway for its customers under his direction” Grayling continued.
“His focus on devolving power to Network Rail’s route businesses has built the foundations for a more efficient and passenger-focussed organisation which supports the government’s agenda to bring track and train closer together.
“Mark will of course continue to provide great leadership for Network Rail until he steps down in the summer, and I hope he will continue to play an important part in the transport sector in the future.”
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