Iain Coucher steps down from top rail job

The head of Network Rail, Iain Coucher, is to step down from his top job in rail after 3 years in the post.

Commenting on his own departure, Mr Coucher said: “I am enormously proud of what the Network Rail team has achieved over the past eight years. Britain’s railway is now on a sure footing for the future.

“Following three years as chief executive, and five before that as Deputy, now is a good time for me to move on. The company needs continuity of leadership throughout the next five year regulatory review period.”

Network Rail chairman, Rick Haythornthwaite, was quick to sing Iain Coucher’s praises, saying that Coucher had been ‘an outstanding leader for Network Rail both as chief executive and deputy chief executive.’

Rick continued: “During his time with the company Britain’s railway has been transformed with improved punctuality which is at record levels, safety improved and billions removed from the company’s costs through efficiency saving.”

However not everyone has been quite so complimentary.

Bob Crow, leader of rail union, the RMT, said: “As far as we are concerned it’s good riddance to Iain Coucher. He has presided over a culture at Network Rail that has attacked jobs, working conditions and rail safety at the sharp end while his salary and perks have gone through the roof. This news will be celebrated the length and breadth of the rail network.”

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