New chairs of Network Rail and DFTO named for rail reform

New chairs of Network Rail and DFTO have been appointed, with the UK rail industry heading into a period of change in how the network is run.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Richard George has been confirmed as the new Chair of Network Rail, while Sir Andrew Haines has been appointed Chair of Department for Transport Operator Limited (DFTO), as set out in a Department for Transport announcement. The appointments come as the Government pushes its plan to combine track and train, bringing private rail companies together into one publicly owned organisation — Great British Railways.

New chairs of Network Rail and DFTO: roles and timing

Both appointees are due to take up their positions on Monday 02 February.

George brings 45 years of experience in the rail sector. He is the current Chair of the DFTO and previously served as Managing Director of Great Western Trains. His career also includes work as HS1 Project Director for Eurostar, and he has acted as an advisor to the Department for Transport. Before privatisation, he spent 20 years with British Rail.

Don’t miss…PESA acquires HeiterBlick to expand its European rail footprint

Richard George’s background in UK rail

As he takes on the Network Rail chair role, Richard George does so while Great British Railways rail reform is moving forward. His background spans passenger operations and major projects, alongside advisory work for the Department for Transport and experience at British Rail prior to privatisation.

Sir Andrew Haines and the DFTO chair appointment

Sir Andrew Haines most recently served as CEO of Network Rail between 2018 and 2025, focusing on putting passengers first and driving improved performance. Earlier, he held senior roles including Managing Director of South West Trains and Managing Director of the Rail Division for First Group plc. He will now take on the DFTO chair position, as reported by Railway Gazette.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said legislation is now making its way through Parliament, and the Government is making progress with its programme of rail reform. She said that when Great British Railways is established, it will help deliver a network that is run for the public and owned by the public — a direction also discussed in Railway Supply’s overview of Great British Railways.

Alexander added that George and Haines bring extensive experience that can support the integration of UK railways, improve passenger experience, and strengthen operational performance as the sector builds toward Great British Railways.

She also thanked Mike Putnam for overseeing Network Rail at what she described as a pivotal time, and said he will remain on the Network Rail board so the organisation can continue to benefit from his knowledge and skills.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: