08.09.15
Network Rail’s Paul Plummer to take over at RDG and ATOC
Network Rail’s group strategy director, Paul Plummer, will take the helm as the new chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) from November.
Plummer takes over from Michael Roberts, who announced he was stepping down from the role earlier this year.
Plummer joined Network Rail in 2002, where he has overseen planning the development of the network, business planning, the interface with the government and economic regulation.
He said: “With government and other stakeholders, the RDG has been working successfully to improve the day-to-day operation of the railway and plan better for the future. During this important period, we will need to focus more than ever on delivering ever better value to passengers, freight users and taxpayers.
“I am also very pleased to be running ATOC. Along with other rail organisations, ATOC is crucial in supporting rail’s strategic leadership by delivering for passengers and the industry.”
RDG ties together Network Rail and passenger and freight operators to lead the national rail industry, while ATOC is now a business services organisation providing network services to the rail industry – such as National Rail Enquiries and running the infrastructure that supports rail’s retailing (Rail Settlement Plan, or RSP).
Martin Griffiths, chief executive of Stagecoach Group and RDG chairman, said: “Paul has been a senior figure in the railway for more than a decade and played a significant role in transforming this key public service into the success story it is today. In a strong field of candidates, Paul stood out as the best to develop the RDG to drive forward the strategic leadership of the industry.”
Before joining Network Rail, Plummer worked for or advised companies, regulators and governments on business strategy, restructuring, privatisation, corporate finance and transport and utilities regulation.
Roberts, his predecessor, served for seven years as director general and chief executive of RDG and ATOC respectively.
Consultancy firm Odgers Bernston led the recruitment effort.