GBR Anglia has appointed Alice Shimali as its new Communications Director, marking another key milestone in the integrated railway's journey towards Great British Railways (GBR).
The appointment strengthens the senior leadership team of GBR Anglia, which brings together c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under a single leadership structure designed to deliver a more joined-up railway for passengers, stakeholders and communities.
Shimali, who previously served as Head of Communications at c2c, assumed her new role on 3 August and will lead the integrated railway's communications function across the Anglia region.
With a decade of experience in the rail sector, she will oversee internal communications, media relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and customer communications, creating a unified strategy to support the railway's evolving priorities and future transition into Great British Railways.
In her new role, Shimali will be responsible for protecting and enhancing the organisation's reputation, supporting strategic objectives and ensuring clear, consistent communication across one of the UK's most significant integrated railway operations.
Before joining GBR Anglia's executive team, Shimali spent four years as Head of Communications at c2c, where she successfully delivered major communications programmes, strengthened partnerships with organisations including Essex Chambers of Commerce, local authorities, Southend United Football Club and community organisations, while also leading award-winning colleague engagement initiatives.
Prior to c2c, she spent five years at Govia Thameslink Railway, most recently as Senior Public Relations Manager. During that period, she led the operator's PR response throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and helped shape a more people-focused communications approach that formed the foundation of several nationally recognised campaigns.
Commenting on the appointment, Rob Mullen, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at GBR Anglia, said:
“Alice brings a strong track record of delivering effective communications campaigns and colleague engagement programmes, building trusted relationships, and supporting strategic objectives across the sector.
“Our communications function will play a central ambassadorial role in ensuring GBR Anglia - and our transition to Great British Railways - is a genuine success, and I look forward to working with Alice and her wider communications team as we move forward in this exciting new era for the railway.”
Alice Shimali added:
“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be appointed Communications Director at GBR Anglia at what is a pivotal moment for Anglia and the wider rail industry.
“Our move towards Great British Railways represents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to reshape how we communicate, collaborate and serve the communities we proudly support and serve every day.
“I am excited to build on the strong foundations already in place, strengthening and enhancing our relationships with colleagues, customers, partners and stakeholders across the Anglia route.”
The appointment is the latest step in GBR Anglia's transformation programme as the organisation continues to align track and train operations more closely ahead of the creation of Great British Railways, with the ambition of delivering improved accountability, performance and customer experience across the East of England.
Image credits: c2c Railway Limited
