Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has announced the appointment of Dan Mann and Ola Ogun as co-Chief Executive Officers, succeeding Jacqueline Starr, who will step down from her role in October 2026.
The move represents a significant milestone in RDG's preparations for the transition to Great British Railways (GBR) in 2027, ensuring continuity of leadership during one of the most transformative periods in the railway industry's history.
By appointing two experienced internal leaders, RDG aims to maintain momentum throughout the sector's transition while continuing its mission to make Britain's railway simpler to understand and easier to use for passengers.
Bringing together extensive expertise in operations, finance and organisational leadership, Mann and Ogun offer a deep understanding of RDG, its member organisations and the wider rail industry. Their combined experience is expected to help guide the organisation through the next phase of railway reform as the industry moves towards a more integrated future under GBR.
Mann has spent more than two decades working across the rail sector. Beginning his career on Railtrack's graduate programme in 2001, he went on to hold operational management roles with Railtrack, Network Rail and train operating companies before joining RDG in 2012.
Having previously served as Director of Industry Operations, he joined the RDG Executive Team in 2022 and has played a leading role in several major industry initiatives, including the creation of the Network Performance Board and the award-winning Traincrew Programme. He has also been a strong advocate for developing industry skills, promoting workforce diversity and creating new routes into rail careers.
Ogun joined RDG in 2018 and, over the past eight years, has held a number of senior leadership positions, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial and Operating Officer.
His responsibilities have included overseeing the settlement of more than £11 billion in rail revenue annually, while also leading major industry programmes and managing technology, people, procurement, legal and governance functions. Ogun has been instrumental in modernising RDG's operational and financial performance, with a strong focus on customer outcomes, sustainability and innovation.
Since assuming their new responsibilities, both leaders have been working closely with outgoing Chief Executive Jacqueline Starr to ensure a smooth transition for employees, members and industry partners.
Dan Mann, Co-CEO, Rail Delivery Group
“It is a privilege to be appointed co-CEO of RDG alongside Ola. Rail has been at the heart of my career for more than 25 years and I remain as passionate as ever about the role it plays connecting people and places, supporting communities and contributing to Britain’s economy.
“RDG has an important role to play in getting the railway working more as one, supporting our members and putting customers at the heart of everything we do.”
“Ola and I bring different but complementary experience and we share a strong commitment to partnership, accountability and excellence. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the industry as we build on our strengths and help shape the railway’s journey into Great British Railways.”
Ola Ogun, Co-CEO, Rail Delivery Group
“I am delighted to be taking on this role with Dan. During my time at RDG, I have seen first-hand the expertise, commitment and collaborative spirit of our colleagues and the value the organisation brings to its members and the wider rail industry.
“This is a significant period of change for the industry as we look to bring track, trains and stations together – but it is also an opportunity to continue building a customer-focused railway. Dan and I are aligned in our ambition to provide clear, inclusive and effective leadership, maintain a strong focus on delivery and ensure RDG continues to support the rail industry through its next chapter.”
Image credit: Rail Delivery Group
