UK: Network Rail has announced the appointment of Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Westlake as its next Chief Executive. He will formally take up the role on October 20 following a transition period with current CEO Sir Andrew Haines who is retiring, and will oversee the amalgamation of Network Rail with Great British Railways.
Group Finance Director Paul Marshall has been appointed as CFO.
Leadership experience
Westlake has been CFO at the infrastructure manager since 2016. He previously held finance, operational and supply chain roles over 14 years at Rolls-Royce in both the UK and the USA, before joining Alstom Transport in 2013 as SVP Finance.
Acting Chair of Network Rail Mike Putnam said Westlake ‘brings extensive leadership experience from across the transport and engineering sectors, both in the UK and internationally. His strong track record in encouraging cross-industry collaboration, working closely with our supply chain, and driving continuous improvement will be crucial as we continue the transition towards Great British Railways.’
Westlake said ‘I look forward to working with colleagues across the industry to continue building a railway that is safe, efficient and fit for the future - serving passengers, freight and communities across the country.’
Commenting on the appointment, Railway Industry Association CEO Darren Caplan said Westlake ‘already has a history of strong engagement with RIA members and the supply chain’ and his ‘leadership and financial experience will be important assets, as Network Rail moves forward towards GBR over the next few years.’
