People
Who is going where: top appointments in the global rail industry.
Comment: Security concerns reflect rail’s reliance on its people
Deutsche Bahn has unveiled fresh measures to protect staff following a fatal assault in February. Our Executive Editor Nick Kingsley argues that this incident has shone a light on an under-recognised aspect of railway safety, while highlighting the importance of railway people amid a growing clamour for automation.
GB Railfreight CEO John Smith to step back after 25 years
UK: Freight operator GB Railfreight has announced that founder and Chief Executive John Smith is to step back from his role, and the company and its shareholder Infracapital have begun the process of appointing his replacement as part of long-standing succession planning.
Two appointments to DFTO board
UK: Shadow Great British Railways Chair Laura Shoaf and Department for Transport non-executive board member Tony Poulter have been appointed as non-executive directors of state-owned holding company Department for Transport Operator Ltd.
EDI Charter for Rail Working Group appoints new leaders
UK: Leadership changes have been announced at the EDI Charter for Rail Working Group, which was founded by the Railway Industry Association and Women in Rail.
DB Cargo UK reorganises management team around four areas of focus
UK: DB Cargo UK has reorganised its senior management team, with CEO Andrea Rossi saying the changes would ‘strengthen accountability and ensure we are set up to continue to deliver best in class services’.
Management course launch invokes spirit of British Rail graduate scheme
UK: The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators has launched a pilot management training programme designed to develop operational leaders with a whole-system understanding of the rail sector.
TransPennine Express turnaround reflected in Rail Business Awards win
UKTram confirms board appointments
Great British Railways needs ‘a leader who thrives on complexity and transformation’
Transport Secretary names next Network Rail and DFTO chairs
Combined transport is under a great deal of pressure, warns incoming UIRR Chair
DB Cargo UK targets maintenance and engineering growth
ORR Chief Executive John Larkinson to leave in April 2026
Chris Burchell appointed as RSSB Chair
Alex Hynes named next CEO of DfT Operator Ltd
Train drivers’ union ASLEF announces next General Secretary
Castex predicts ‘the mother of all battles’ to fund French rail infrastructure as he takes over at SNCF
Law firm appoints former Elizabeth Line MD as rail sector adviser
Managing Director appointed as rail consultancy targets international growth
CSX names Steve Angel as CEO to replace Joe Hinrichs
Mark Hopwood named next Chair of the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators
Arriva Group appoints next Chief Executive Officer
New CEO says Lobito Atlantic Railway is ‘a company with exceptional potential’
New Deutsche Bahn CEO sought as Lutz to finish term early