Network Rail has announced the appointment of Julien Dehornoy, CEO of Keolis Downer, Australia’s largest intermodal public transport provider, as its new Deputy Regional Managing Director for the North West & Central (NW&C) Region.
Mr. Dehornoy will report to the NW&C Regional Managing Director, supporting the leadership of a region crucial to the UK’s economy. The NW&C region connects major cities including London, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, serving business travellers, commuters, and tourists. It also encompasses the West Coast Main Line, a vital artery for freight transport, moving essential goods across the country.
In his new role, Mr. Dehornoy will oversee the NW&C Passenger function, responsible for the sponsorship of a £6 billion major enhancement portfolio. His team will also provide strategic advice on the future of the railway, developing options for investment and change, and ensuring the smooth integration of major projects like HS2 into the existing network.
Mr. Dehornoy brings over 20 years of experience in leading complex transport operations. His previous roles include Regional Managing Director for SNCF (France’s national state-owned railway company), CEO for SNCF America, and Chief of Staff to the French Transport Minister. In 2019, he became CEO of Yarra Trams (Melbourne’s tram network operator) before taking on the CEO role at Keolis Downer in 2023, overseeing bus, train, and ferry services. He is known for his focus on collaboration between passengers, rail workers, transport authorities, and operators to create a truly integrated rail system.
Commenting on his appointment, Julien Dehornoy, said: “Joining Network Rail is a fantastic opportunity in a career focused on making rail travel a seamless and the preferred travel option for all passengers.
“The British rail industry is at a critical point of its history, and it is extraordinarily exciting to be joining at this time. I am looking forward to bringing a fresh pair of eyes, but also learning from the incredible experience of my new colleagues, the traveling public and the many stakeholders of the renowned British railways.”
Rob McIntosh, regional managing director of North West and Central Region: “We are delighted to have appointed Julien who brings with him a wealth of experience working in public transport across three continents in both the private and public sectors. Julien is joining us at an opportune time as we begin to integrate rail and track as part of much-needed rail reform.
“The new deputy managing director role will bolster the rail industry’s senior leadership expertise with new thinking from other parts of the world to continue to help us deliver a safe, efficient and reliable railway that drives economic growth and better supports the communities we serve.”
Mr. Dehornoy is a General Director on the Australian Railway Association Board and a member of the Champions of Change Rail Group, promoting gender equality in rail leadership.
This appointment is part of Network Rail’s strategy to strengthen leadership and prepare for rail reform under Great British Railways. Two Deputy Regional Managing Director roles have been created, with Jamie Burles appointed to the Eastern Region in January 2025. Mr. Dehornoy will join the NW&C Region in April 2025.
