The Great British Railways transition is entering a new phase. Laura Shoaf and Tony Poulter are joining the Department for Transport Operator (DFTO) board. This was announced by the Department for Transport. GBR is planned for 2027.

Great British Railways transition adds Shoaf, Poulter
Great British Railways transition adds Shoaf, Poulter

Great British Railways transition enters a new phase

The appointments mark the formal transition from Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR). Laura Shoaf has chaired SGBR. During that period, three senior figures have worked under Laura’s leadership.

  • Alex Hynes, Chief Executive of DFTO
  • Richard Goodman, Director General for Rail Reform and Strategy at the Department for Transport
  • Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive of Network Rail

Together, they developed improved ways of working. They also created the blueprint for how GBR will work in the future. Also, that framework is already being followed in the South East and East Anglia. There, integrated leadership has been introduced to bring track and train together.

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In addition, the framework has helped deliver change across the railway. At the same time, it has reduced waste. Also, it keeps passenger interests at the centre of decision-making. Separately, in her new board role, Laura will continue this work. She will ensure passengers’ and staff’s voices are heard. That applies to how the railway is run now and in the future.

Laura Shoaf and Tony Poulter join the DFTO board

Tony Poulter’s background

Also, Tony Poulter is joining the DFTO board. He brings significant passenger and commercial experience. Tony Poulter was a Non-Executive Director on the GBR Transition Team. Meanwhile, he has also served on the Department for Transport Board. There, he provided specialist support and strategic advice on rail reform. In addition, he was previously a partner at PwC.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

The leaders working at SGBR have set the standard for the future of British railways. Under their direction, teams are now working together to end years of fragmentation and inefficiency and develop creative and innovative ways of improving the rail network.

Both Laura and Tony will bring expert knowledge and experience to the DFTO board as we get ready for GBR. I look forward to working with them to deliver the reliable, affordable and modern railway passengers deserve.

Laura Shoaf’s previous roles

Separately, Laura Shoaf was Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority. She took on that role before SGBR. She was also Managing Director of Transport for West Midlands. She was also the first woman to chair the Urban Transport Group. She was also one of the two people appointed as the UK’s first ‘transport champions for tackling violence against women and girls’.

Sir Andrew Haines, chair of DFTO, said:

Laura and Tony have very significant experience over a wide range of complementary sectors and will play a vital role in supporting DFTO’s mission to deliver for customers and help build Great British Railways.

I look forward to working with them both as we continue the transfer programme, implement rail reform and improve performance across the network – work that will benefit passengers and represent better value for taxpayers.

Rail reform and public ownership of train operators

Passengers are already benefiting from SGBR’s work across the railway network. For example, during disruption, tickets are accepted by all other publicly owned operators. Passengers can still reach their destinations without spending an extra penny. Also, innovative digital ticketing trials have been piloted in Yorkshire and the East Midlands. In addition, passengers on Northern or LNER services can find journey information in one place. They can do so through a single app. At the same time, this work is removing waste and reducing operational costs. It is also directly contributing to the future design and function of GBR.

More than 8,500 services now run each day under DFTO. They are run by publicly owned train operators. They help over 660 million passengers get where they need to go each year. Meanwhile, the DFTO board is tasked with ensuring the smooth transition to public ownership. It must also ensure operators deliver value for money. It must also ensure a consistently better experience for passengers. Eight operators are now in public ownership. The Great British Railways and the public ownership programme sets this out.

  • LNER
  • Northern
  • Southeastern
  • TransPennine Express
  • South Western Railway
  • c2c
  • Greater Anglia
  • WM Trains

Separately, Govia Thameslink Railway is the next operator to move into public ownership. That will happen on 31 May 2026. This was previously covered by Railway Supply.

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