Network Rail has announced the appointment of Dave Hooper as the new Managing Director for its Southern region. Mr. Hooper will assume the role on 1 May, succeeding Ellie Burrows, who will transition to the position of Managing Director for the Eastern region.
The Southern region, encompassing 544 stations across a vast geographical area from Devon to Kent, serves an estimated 700 million passenger journeys annually.
Mr. Hooper brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held senior leadership positions across the rail sector, including at Siemens Mobility, Osborne, Transport for London, and Serco Rail. He also previously worked for Network Rail, where he spearheaded early track-train integration initiatives.
Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said: “I’m extremely pleased that Dave will be joining our team. He brings exceptionally broad rail experience at an exciting time for the sector. As well as time spent with Network Rail previously on some early track-train integration thinking, he has broad experience of train operations and the supply chain which will be a huge benefit for us as we move ahead towards an integrated industry.”
Dave Hooper added: “I’m exhilarated to be joining the Network Rail Executive Leadership team at such an exciting time for the UK’s railway. I look forward to working together as one team, with the teams across Network Rail and with our wider industry partners, to improve the service offering for our passengers and freight customers.”
These leadership changes within Network Rail’s Executive Leadership Team were previously announced: Ellie Burrows will succeed Jake Kelly as Managing Director, Eastern, while Mr. Kelly will assume the role of Managing Director for the North West & Central region, replacing Rob McIntosh. Mr. McIntosh will subsequently become the independent chair of the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme board and will support the development of Great British Railways’ relationships with mayoral authorities.
