Icomera has appointed Ben Dunlop as Managing Director of its DG8 design and engineering division, effective early March, as the business enters its next phase of growth.
Ben brings more than three decades of experience across the UK rail sector. He began his career with British Rail before joining Atkins, where he progressed through senior leadership roles spanning engineering, programme delivery, business development and strategic growth.
As Director of Solutions East, he led a team of more than 400 engineering and design professionals. He later headed electrification business development, helping secure a leading share of the UK market, and subsequently led Atkins’ Digital Railways function, shaping digital strategy and supporting the successful delivery of signalling and telecoms programmes. Since 2019, he has operated an independent consultancy supporting engineering and education organisations.
Ben said: “DG8 has an impressive reputation for high‑quality design, deep engineering expertise, and close client partnerships. I’m excited to build on that foundation and help shape the next chapter, growing capabilities, supporting Icomera’s broader technology ecosystem, and delivering even more value across the industry.”
Ben succeeds DG8 founders Mark Hoptroff and Mike Mortimer, who will remain involved in the business in an advisory capacity to ensure continuity. Their planned transition is designed to support DG8’s next phase of growth, following strong progress since becoming part of Icomera in 2019.
Catherine Chardon, CEO at Icomera, added: “I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank Mark Hoptroff and Mike Mortimer for their leadership over the past 17 years. Their vision, dedication, and commitment have shaped DG8 into the respected design and engineering partner it is today. We are deeply grateful for the solid foundations they have built.
DG8 founders Mark Hoptroff and Mike Mortimer will remain involved in an advisory capacity, ensuring continuity as the leadership transition takes effect. Since joining Icomera in 2019, DG8 has continued to grow as a specialist engineering partner within the group.
The move positions DG8 to deepen its role in delivering integrated, future-focused rail solutions, aligning engineering design expertise more closely with Icomera’s broader digital and connectivity portfolio.
