Updated 10.38

Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines is to retire from his post in October.

Sir Andrew, who was knighted in this year’s New Year Honours, and whose previous experience has included running the South West Trains franchise for Stagecoach, joined Network Rail in August 2018.

Since 2021, he has also been responsible for managing the transition to Great British Railways, which began with the publication of the Williams-Shapps report following the Williams Rail Review.

Network Rail itself, which had been created to take over from Railtrack in 2002, is set to be succeeded by the new ‘directing mind’ of Great British Railways when the necessary legislation has been passed.

Until last summer Sir Andrew had worked with Lord Hendy, who had been Network Rail chairman but became rail minister after the Labour government had been elected in July.

Network Rail’s acting chair Mike Putnam said: ‘Andrew has been an exceptional leader for Network Rail at a critical time in the history of Britain’s railways. He has secured reforms that will lead to a more reliable railway, while maintaining a continual focus on safety and performance.

‘His vision, leadership and ambition for an integrated, simpler railway that will deliver a significantly better experience for passengers has been at the heart of the creation of Great British Railways.

‘I’d like to thank Andrew for his unwavering dedication and leadership of Network Rail over the last seven years.’

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander added: ‘I’d like to thank Andrew for the commitment and leadership he’s shown over the past seven years. He provided stability during the most challenging of periods and ensured the railway kept running throughout the pandemic and through national industrial action.

‘His vision and support has been vital as we establish Great British Railways – one of this government’s biggest reforms. His work has been a key part of our efforts to deliver a simpler, more efficient railway, with passengers at its heart.’

Sir Andrew said: ‘It has been a privilege to lead Network Rail through a time of such change and transformation for Britain’s railways, and I am proud of the progress that we have made on performance, safety, reliability and customer service.

‘After seven years as chief executive, as Great British Railways starts to progress through legislation and into implementation, I have decided it is the right time for me to retire.

‘I am a passionate supporter of the principles behind Great British Railways and the once-in-a-generation opportunity it presents to create an integrated railway that delivers a better service and experience for passengers, stakeholders and colleagues. It has been a privilege to lead this transformational journey to date.’

Campaign for Better Transport chief executive Ben Plowden said: ‘Sir Andrew has been a passionate advocate of the railways, and has helped create the framework for the generational change, Great British Railways, that passengers and the industry need. We thank Sir Andrew for his service and wish him well.’

Network Rail said the process of choosing his successor will begin shortly.

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