Network Rail appoints new Group Communications Director

Network Rail today announced the appointment of Molly Neal as its new Group Communications Director and member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Effective January 2025, Molly will report to Chief Executive Andrew Haines and will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of communications and stakeholder engagement for the organisation.

With a wealth of experience in corporate affairs, Molly joins Network Rail from National Grid, where she has successfully led their global Corporate Communications & Brand function for the past five years. Prior to this, she held senior communications roles at Land Securities Group PLC and was a journalist at the Wall Street Journal.

Recognised as a leading figure in the industry, Molly is listed in the PR Week UK Power Book.

Commenting on her appointment, Molly said, “I’m really looking forward to joining Network Rail at such a crucial time for the rail industry. There’s an incredible opportunity to bring track and train together under Great British Railways, and communications will have a critical role to play in delivering the significant transformation ahead. Rail plays such an important role in people’s lives and I’m excited to be joining an industry with such strong societal impact.”

Andrew Haines, Chief Executive for Network Rail, said: “Molly will be an excellent addition to our Executive Leadership Team. With a new government committed to reforming our sector, this is a time of transformational change and the strong communications leadership that Molly brings will be vital to our success moving forward.”

Molly succeeds David Leam, who has transitioned to the role of Chief of Staff for Network Rail.

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