GB Railfreight (GBRf) has announced the appointment of Jude Winstanley as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition at the UK's largest rail freight operator.
Winstanley will join the business on 2 November, taking over from John Smith OBE, who founded the company and has led it for more than 25 years. While stepping down from the Chief Executive role, Smith will remain involved with the business in an advisory capacity to support the transition and continue leading government relations activities linked to rail reform.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for GBRf as the company continues to expand its operations and invest heavily in fleet modernisation. The business now employs more than 1,400 people and operates a fleet of 170 locomotives and 1,800 wagons, serving customers across intermodal logistics, construction, waste, energy generation and network support markets.
Winstanley brings a wealth of transport and infrastructure experience to the role. During his career he has held senior leadership positions with Swissport, International Airlines Group (IAG) and British Airways, alongside advisory work with Bain & Company. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of London Southend Airport, where he oversaw significant passenger growth and operational improvements.
His appointment follows a period of sustained investment under GBRf's owner, Infracapital. Since acquiring the business in 2019, approximately £140 million has been invested in fleet renewal, depot enhancements and maintenance capability. A key part of that programme has been the introduction of the new Class 99 bi-mode locomotive fleet, designed to support rail freight growth while helping decarbonise freight transport across the UK.
As CEO, Winstanley will guide the company through its next phase of growth, with a focus on customer service, operational performance and increasing the movement of freight from road to rail.
James Cooper, Chairman – GB Railfreight said:
"We are delighted to welcome Jude to GBRf. His experience across transport and freight infrastructure combined with a proven track record of leadership make him ideally placed to build on GBRf’s role in supporting the UK's freight and transport ambitions. We thank John for his outstanding contribution to GBRf over the past 25 years and his continued commitment as he supports the business through the transition."
Paying tribute to his successor and reflecting on his own tenure, John Smith OBE said:
"Leading GB Railfreight has been the privilege of my career. Looking back, I am enormously proud of what our people have achieved and thankful to the customers and partners who have placed their trust in us over the years. I am leaving the business in a strong position and wish Jude every success in the years ahead. He will inherit a fantastic team and a business with a great future."
Looking ahead to the challenge, Jude Winstanley said:
"GBRf has built something genuinely impressive - a business that is operationally strong, commercially ambitious and increasingly central to how the UK moves goods. I am joining at a moment when rail freight has real momentum and I am looking forward to working with colleagues, customers and industry partners to build on these strong foundations”.
Infracapital also welcomed the appointment, highlighting the strategic role rail freight plays in supporting the UK economy.
Wael Elkhouly, Managing Director and Head of Asset Management at Infracapital, said:
“Rail freight is of strategic importance to the UK economy, and under our ownership we have continued to grow and modernise GBRf. Against this backdrop of growth and investment, Jude's appointment brings fresh energy and perspective at an exciting moment. We are confident Jude and his leadership team will continue to advance GBRf's growth, innovation and strategic role in the UK's freight network. We would like to pay tribute to John for his vision, dedication and leadership, which helped cement GBRf's reputation in the market.”
With substantial investment programmes already underway and the rail freight sector playing an increasingly important role in the UK's decarbonisation ambitions, Winstanley's arrival signals the beginning of a new chapter for GBRf while ensuring continuity through Smith's ongoing involvement.
Image credits: GB Rail Freight
