Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, has announced his decision to retire from the company in October 2025.
Haines, who has led Network Rail since August 2018, has overseen significant reforms aimed at improving customer experience and railway performance.
During his tenure, Haines had to tackle the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continued operation of the railways for key workers and essential freight.
Following the publication of the 2021 Plan for Rail, he also played a key role in laying the groundwork for Great British Railways (GBR), the future integrated rail body.
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.
With this announcement, Haines has reaffirmed his belief in GBR’s vision, calling it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to build a more integrated and passenger-centric railway.
Sir Andrew Haines stated: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.
