05.09.13
Sir David Higgins’ successor announced
Mark Carne is to be the next chief executive of Network Rail, it has been revealed.
The former executive vice president for Middle East and North Africa for Royal Dutch Shell will join Network Rail on 6 January 2014 and formally takeover from Sir David Higgins on April 1.
In his role at Shell, Carne led an emphasis on developing local staff and businesses, helping to address unemployment.
Sir David’s decision to leave the company earlier than expected was revealed at the end of July.
Network Rail's chairman, Richard Parry Jones, said: “Each and every day, Network Rail has to provide a safe and reliable railway for the travelling public as well as the train and freight operating companies, at the same time as working to improve the network to help us meet unprecedented growth in demand. That poses a unique set of challenges for any chief executive, demanding the skill and experience to translate engineering excellence into daily operations safely and effectively, as well as keeping the public informed of what we are doing and why.
“Through his work with Shell and BG Group in very testing and difficult environments, Mark Carne has shown that he has the necessary skill and global experience to build on, and develop further, what Network Rail has already achieved in meeting these challenges under the leadership of David Higgins. We thank David for all he has done for the company.”
Mark Carne said: “The success of Network Rail is vital for Britain’s economy and this is an exciting time for the whole rail industry. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead Network Rail and look forward to working with the team to drive performance to new heights.”
Carne’s base salary has been agreed at £675,000.
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