The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has announced the appointment of four new members to its Board, further bolstering its industry expertise and knowledge.
The new appointees are:
- John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport
- Lydia Cullimore, Partner, Burges Salmon
- Steve Freeman, Chair, RailX
- Mark Hooper, Director of Rail & Containers, Solent Stevedores
Each individual was elected at the Group’s Annual General Meeting held on 13 November at the Port of Middlesbrough. All new board members are experienced professionals within the RFG membership.
John Bailey
With over 30 years of logistics experience, John Bailey has been instrumental in Maritime Transport’s expansion across the UK’s intermodal sector. He has overseen the development of new rail terminals and services to drive modal shift and enhance resource efficiency.
John said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the RFG Board. The organisation is at the forefront of campaigning for growth and greater efficiency in rail freight, which aligns with Maritime’s ambitions to accelerate modal shift in the UK. I am excited to lend my expertise to help the RFG continue its vital work in driving our industry towards a more sustainable future.”
Lydia Cullimore
Lydia Cullimore, a partner at Burges Salmon, brings over 15 years of experience advising clients in the rail freight industry on commercial and regulatory law. Her expertise in high-value commercial contracts and infrastructure projects will be invaluable to the RFG.
Lydia said: “I am delighted to join the board of the Rail Freight Group alongside Mark, John, and Steve. Modal shift to rail freight is key to decarbonisation and I am looking forward to working collaboratively with the RFG team and its members to support the sustainable growth of rail freight across the UK.”
Steve Freeman
Steve Freeman, with a 50-year career in the global railway industry, has extensive experience in operations, business development, and project delivery. As Chair of RailX, he has been instrumental in developing digital platforms to enhance the efficiency of UK intermodal rail.
On his appointment, Steve said: “It is an honour to be joining the board of the RFG at a time of great change and opportunity in the UK rail freight sector. I look forward to playing my part in helping the RFG to continue to lead the way in helping the industry to grow to its full capability and potential.”
Mark Hooper
Mark Hooper, Director of Rail and Containers for Solent Stevedores, has over 30 years of industry experience and is responsible for accelerating the growth of rail services at the Port of Southampton and London Gateway.
Mark said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Board of the Rail Freight Group. The industry as a whole is making great strides towards reaching a Net Zero target by moving more cargo onto rail and I’m pleased to represent Solent Stevedores who are a key player in this field. By joining the RFG’s Board I hope to support the RFG with its continued push towards a more sustainable growth.”
Commenting on the appointments, Maggie Simpson, RFG Director General, added: “I’d like to welcome each of our new Board members. It is fantastic to have such a diverse group of rail experts from right across the sector supporting our business. Working together, under our re-elected Chair Chris Swan and Vice Chair Geoff Lippitt, we will continue to make the case for rail freight growth and work to ensure we deliver for all of our members through our policy work, events and advocacy.”
The RFG, under the leadership of re-elected Chair Chris Swan and Vice Chair Geoff Lippitt, will continue to advocate for the growth of rail freight and deliver value to its members through policy work, events, and advocacy.
