GB Railfreight (GBRf) has announced the start of a planned leadership transition, alongside two senior promotions, as the company marks its 25th anniversary.
Chief Executive Officer John Smith and shareholder has begun the process of appointing a successor, with the transition expected to take place over the next year. Smith will remain in post during this period and support the handover once a new CEO is appointed.
The announcement is accompanied by two senior internal promotions aimed at strengthening the company’s leadership team.
Liam Day has been promoted from Asset Director to Interim Managing Director, while Ian Langton steps up from Production Director to Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Day joined GBRf in 2014 from Network Rail, where he started his career on the graduate management training programme. Since joining the business, he has held a number of senior roles including Terminal Development Manager, Head of Estates, General Manager in the commercial team, and Commercial Director. He was appointed Asset Director in September 2024.
Langton brings more than three decades of experience in rail freight operations. He joined GBRf in 2012 from DB Schenker, where he spent 22 years following an earlier career with British Rail. Since becoming Production Director in 2018, he has been responsible for leading the day-to-day delivery of GBRf’s operations.
John Smith said: “GB Railfreight is in an exceptionally strong position, having this year become the UK’s largest rail freight operator, with our industry-first hybrid Class 99 locomotives entering service, helping to future-proof the business for many years to come. As we approach our 25th anniversary, this is a natural time to begin planning for the future of the business.
“This transition is being carefully managed over the coming year, and I remain fully committed to leading the business throughout this period. I would also like to congratulate Liam Day and Ian Langton on their well-deserved promotions. Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue to build on our success and look ahead to the next decade of growth.”
James Cooper, Chairman of GB Railfreight, added: “This is a significant moment for GB Railfreight. Having led the business since its founding 25 years ago, John Smith has been instrumental in its growth from a start-up to the UK’s largest rail freight operator.
“As GBRf looks to the future, John’s experience will be invaluable in supporting the next phase of the company’s development and ensuring the full potential of the business and its people is realised.”
The leadership changes come as GBRf continues to expand its operations, with the business recently introducing its hybrid Class 99 locomotives and strengthening its position in the UK rail freight market.
