Two senior rail figures have been appointed to chair Network Rail and the Department for Transport Operator Limited (DFTO), strengthening leadership at a pivotal moment for the industry as preparations continue for the creation of Great British Railways (GBR).
Richard George has been named Chair of Network Rail, while Sir Andrew Haines will take up the role of Chair at DFTO, the public body responsible for bringing passenger train services into public ownership. Both appointments take effect from 2 February 2026.
The moves are designed to support the government’s programme of rail reform, with a clear focus on better integration between track and train, improved operational performance and a stronger passenger experience.
Richard George brings more than 45 years of senior leadership experience across the UK transport and rail sectors. He is currently chair of DFTO and has previously held roles including Managing Director of Great Western Trains and HS1 Project Director for Eurostar. He has also advised the Department for Transport on rail performance and investment in the north of England. Before rail privatisation, he spent two decades in management roles within British Rail.
Sir Andrew Haines joins DFTO following seven years as chief executive of Network Rail, where he led the organisation through a period of recovery and reform with a strong emphasis on putting passengers first. His earlier career includes senior leadership roles at South West Trains and as managing director of FirstGroup’s rail division.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the appointments marked another step forward as legislation to establish Great British Railways progresses through Parliament.
“With rail reform under way, these appointments bring a wealth of experience that will help improve passenger experience and operational performance as we move towards a truly integrated railway,” she said. “Great British Railways will deliver a network run for the public, owned by the public, and these leaders will play a key role in shaping that future.”
Sir Andrew Haines said he was pleased to be joining DFTO at a defining point for the sector.
“DFTO has a central role in bringing more services into public ownership and improving the experience for passengers,” he said. “I look forward to working with colleagues across the publicly owned operators, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and the wider industry as we help create Great British Railways.”
Richard George said his appointment came at an exciting but demanding time for Network Rail.
“The journey towards Great British Railways requires change across the whole system, but safety and performance must always come first,” he said. “Network Rail has a critical role at the heart of that system, and I’m looking forward to working closely with DFTO and publicly owned operators to improve performance and support lasting reform.”
The appointments coincide with the next phase of the government’s rail reform programme, which aims to create a simpler, more unified railway delivering safer, more reliable and more affordable journeys for passengers across Great Britain.
