Infrastructure development and delivery specialist SLC has appointed former Network Rail programme leader Chris Winfield as Regional Lead – North West, strengthening its presence across one of the UK’s key transport investment regions.
Winfield joins the company following more than 18 years at Network Rail, where he held senior positions across major rail and infrastructure programmes including the Northern Hub, North West Electrification, East West Rail, Euston station redevelopment and interfaces with HS2.
In his new position, he will lead SLC’s client engagement across Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and the wider North West.
The role will see him work with local authorities, transport bodies and industry partners to develop transport schemes and help move projects from their early stages through to delivery.
Major programme experience
Winfield brings significant experience of developing and delivering complex railway investment programmes, including several with a direct impact on the North West network.
As Senior Sponsor for Network Rail’s Northern Hub and North West Electrification programmes, he was responsible for major capacity enhancement projects, including the Ordsall Chord in central Manchester.
The role involved working across government, local authorities, train operators and other industry organisations to coordinate the development and delivery of the programmes.
More recently, Winfield was Head of Network Rail’s Programme Delivery Unit for the North West & Central region.
There, he led development of the Euston station redevelopment strategy and worked with organisations including the Department for Transport, HS2, Transport for London and the London Borough of Camden.
That combination of regional and major programme experience will now be applied to SLC’s work with clients seeking to develop transport investment across the North West.
Ian Walters, Managing Director of SLC, said: “Chris brings a depth of rail experience and a strong understanding of how clients, funders and the wider industry need to work together to turn transport aspirations into deliverable projects.
“The North West is an important region for SLC and his appointment gives us dedicated senior leadership on the ground. His experience of developing and delivering complex programmes, combined with his knowledge of the region and its transport landscape, further strengthens the expertise we can offer our clients.”
Focus on turning proposals into deliverable schemes
Winfield’s appointment strengthens SLC’s senior-level presence in the region, with a particular focus on supporting clients through the often complex process between identifying a transport requirement and developing a project capable of progressing towards delivery.
Chris Winfield said: “There is a huge amount of drive across the North West, and I’m excited to be joining SLC at such an important time for the region.
“I’ve spent a significant part of my career working with organisations across the North West and understand both the opportunities and the challenges involved in taking major transport projects from ambition through to delivery. I’m looking forward to building on SLC’s existing relationships, developing new partnerships and helping our clients turn good ideas into successful projects.”
For SLC, the appointment adds experience spanning project sponsorship, infrastructure development and programme delivery, alongside established relationships across the rail and transport sector.
With Winfield taking dedicated responsibility for the North West, the company is positioning itself to provide greater regional support to authorities and transport organisations as they seek to develop investment proposals into practical, deliverable infrastructure projects.
