Alex Hynes has been named the new Chief Executive of Department for Transport Operator Limited (DFTO), taking over from Robin Gisby as the government prepares for the launch of Great British Railways. DFTO is the body responsible for bringing private train operators into public ownership ahead of the wider reform programme.
Alex brings extensive experience from both the rail industry and the Department for Transport. He previously held senior leadership roles at ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland from 2017 to 2024, and earlier served as Managing Director of Northern, where he oversaw record customer satisfaction and the operator’s transition into public ownership in 2020.
His handover will take place on 23 December 2025, coinciding with the end of Robin Gisby’s fixed-term contract.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“This government is making strides in our ambitious rail reforms and establishing Great British Railways, delivering a network which is run for the public, owned by the public.
Alex Hynes’s appointment will build on the achievements so far of smoothly bringing operators into public ownership and I’m confident that will continue going forward.
I’d like to thank Robin Gisby for his work in effectively leading DFTO through challenging periods, all the way from the pandemic to the beginning of the transition to Great British Railways. Robin had a major impact on the rail industry and he leaves an enduring legacy recognised by colleagues and passengers.”
To support DFTO as it absorbs more operators, more than 200 civil servants from the DfT’s rail teams will transfer into the organisation by 1 April 2026. Half of all rail operators are now in public ownership, following Greater Anglia’s transfer in October 2025. DFTO will continue to manage future transitions under Alex’s leadership.
Alex Hynes said:
“It’s a privilege to be joining DFTO at such a pivotal moment. I look forward to working with so many talented colleagues from across the publicly owned train operating companies, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and the wider rail industry.
Building on DFTO’s strong foundations and Robin’s achievements, my focus will be on delivering safe, reliable and efficient services for passengers, and helping to drive rail reform.”
Robin Gisby, outgoing CEO, said:
“The foundation of our railways are its people, and it has been a privilege to work with so many dedicated colleagues from across the industry. They work hard every day to deliver for passengers and ensure they can travel safely and reliably.
It is their commitment to placing passengers first that has put us on the path to building a better railway for all. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Alex in the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition as we set DFTO up for further success.”
Richard George, Chair of DFTO, added:
“I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Alex Hynes as the new Chief Executive Officer of DFTO. His previous leadership of Scotland’s Railway as the Managing Director – leading the ScotRail Alliance, a partnership between ScotRail Trains and Network Rail Scotland, make him uniquely positioned to lead DFTO through this next critical phase, as we complete the programme for public ownership and continue to improve our services for customers through greater collaboration with Network Rail and other parts of the industry.”
The appointment comes as legislation establishing Great British Railways progresses through Parliament. The new organisation will create a simpler, more unified structure designed to deliver reliable, safe and affordable rail services for passengers.
