Mark Robinson has been appointed as chief information officer (CIO) of DfT Operator (DFTO), the government body responsible for bringing all privately owned train operators into public ownership ahead of the creation of Great British Railways.
In his new role, Robinson will lead DFTO’s digital, data and cyber security strategy, providing strategic oversight across all train operators in public ownership. His remit will include IT infrastructure, cyber resilience and the use of data and technology to support safe, reliable and customer-focused rail operations.
Robinson brings more than 20 years’ experience delivering large-scale digital transformation across complex public and private sector organisations. Most recently, he served as director of technology at the Ministry of Justice, where he oversaw one of the largest and most complex technology estates in the UK public sector.
His previous roles include senior positions at Cubic Corporation, where he managed infrastructure supporting Transport for London’s Oyster and contactless payment systems, and at Red Bee Media, where he led global infrastructure strategy for major broadcasters and media brands including the BBC, Channel 4, BT Sport and Disney.
As CIO, Robinson will play a key role in ensuring DFTO and publicly owned train operators are supported by secure, modern and forward-looking digital systems as the transition to Great British Railways accelerates in 2026.
Commenting on his appointment, Mark Robinson said: “I’m excited to have joined DFTO at such a transformative time for the rail industry. My focus will be on creating a secure, data-driven and future-ready technology environment that supports the public ownership programme as the journey towards Great British Railways gathers pace.”
There are currently seven train operators in public ownership: c2c, Greater Anglia, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway and TransPennine Express. West Midlands Trains, which operates London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services, will join DFTO on Sunday 1 February.
