23.05.19
Network Rail unveils new regional managing directors
Network Rail has announced five new regional managing directors as part of its “evolution” towards a more passenger-focused approach.
The appointments come as part of a major reorganisation at Network Rail which will see the company further devolved into 13 routes, supported by the five regions led by the new managing directors.
Alex Hynes is named as the managing director for Scotland’s railway, John Halsall for Southern, Mark Langman for Wales and Western, Rob McIntosh for Eastern and Tim Shoveller for North West and Central.
Shoveller joins Network Rail from Stagecoach where he is currently the managing director of the UK rail division, whilst Martin Frobisher and Nick King also join as group engineering director and group director of network services respectively.
Chief executive Andrew Haines commented: “We’re making these changes as a major part of our plan to provide the best possible service for passengers and freight users, to deliver the promises we’ve made for the next five years and to improve the way we work together as an industry.
“These are big roles with hefty responsibilities that will deliver on our plans to put the passenger and freight user at the heart of Network Rail. Deeper devolution is key to our future success giving us the tools, capability and authority to deliver for passengers, customers and funders.”
He added that the reorganisation will streamline decision-making, give greater autonomy and allow Network Rail to work more closely with operators.
The five new regions and their new managing directors will commence on 24 June, and the make-up of these organisations are currently being designed.
Haines added: “Devolving the company further into 13 routes, supported by five regions led by our new managing directors, will drive focus on what matters most to our customers - a more punctual, reliable and efficient railway.”
King, who joins from Australia’s Queensland Rail, commented: “Britain has one of the biggest, fastest growing and safest railways in the world and I’m very excited to be joining Network Rail at this critical phase in its growth into an organisation that puts the passenger first.”