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 Department for Transport Operator Ltd ahead of the creation of Great British Railways, which is now expected in 2027.
At SGBR, Shoaf has worked with DFTO Chief Executive Alex Hynes, DfT Director General for Rail Reform & Strategy Richard Goodman and Network Rail CEO Jeremy Westlake to create the blueprint for how GBR will work in the future. DfT said this framework is now being followed with integrated leadership in place to bring together track and train in the southeast and East Anglia.
Prior to SGBR, Laura was CEO of the West Midlands Combined Authority and Managing Director of Transport for West Midlands. DfT said that on the DFTO board Shoaf would continue her ‘critical role in ensuring passengers’ and staff’s voices are heard in the way the railway is run, now and in the future’.
Poulter also joins the DFTO board. As a member of the DfT board he has provided specialist support and strategic advice on Rail Reform. He was previously a partner at PwC.
Commenting on the appointments, on March 20 Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy, said ‘the leaders working at SGBR have set the standard for the future of British railways. Under their direction, teams are now working together to end years of fragmentation and inefficiency and develop creative and innovative ways of improving the rail network. Both Laura and Tony will bring expert knowledge and experience to the DFTO board as we get ready for GBR. I look forward to working with them to deliver the reliable, affordable and modern railway passengers deserve.’
