UK: Andrew Haines Appointed CEO of Network Rail

© Network Rail

Network Rail has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer. After his departure from the company later this year, Mark Carne will be succeeded by Andrew Haines OBE. Haines has had a long career in the transport and rail industries. From 2009 to 2017 he served as the CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The appointment was endorsed by senior leaders across the rail industry in the UK.

The chairman of Network Rail, Sir Peter Hendy CBE, who appointed Haines on behalf of the board of Network Rail, said:

“Andrew’s broad experience of rail and transport, and his reputation for relentless delivery and improvement makes him the ideal candidate to carry on with the transformation of Network Rail that has been led by Mark Carne. Andrew will drive delivery of the railway improvements set out in the strategic business plan for 2019/2024, ensuring Network Rail’s continuing focus on safety, performance and cost effectiveness, and thus delivering a better experience for the millions of passengers who travel every day on our railways.”

Chris Burchell, Chairman of the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), was also on the panel which appointed Haines. He said:

“Operators and the supply chain look forward to working collaboratively over the next few years with Andrew to tackle our shared, customer-focused agenda of improving reliability, efficiency and capacity of our railway through a transformed Network Rail.”

The appointment was also welcomed by Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association. He said:

“Andrew will preside over one of the most intensely used railway networks in Europe, with one of the best safety records and – despite often unbalanced reporting – growing levels of passenger satisfaction. We look forward to Andrew being a strong advocate of a sustainable rail supply chain, ensuring it is an engaged partner in Network Rail’s decision making process and that Network Rail works with the supply sector to ensure the very best for those that use the UK’s rail network, and for taxpayers too.”

Chris Grayling, the Secretary of State for Transport in the British Government, said:

“I welcome Andrew’s appointment as Network Rail chief executive. He has done an outstanding job at the CAA, and has an impressive track record in the rail industry. Under Andrew’s leadership I look forward to Network Rail continuing its transformation into devolved route businesses, working in partnership with train operators to improve performance for passengers.”

Haines himself said:

“Since my first job as a left luggage clerk at London Victoria I’ve been passionate about improving the services that the railways provide to customers and the wider economy. It will be an immense privilege to work alongside the dedicated, professional colleagues at Network Rail and many partner organisations to deliver closer working between track and train, embed devolution and turning the digital railway strategy into reality whilst efficiently delivering on challenging safety, operational, engineering and investment commitments.”

Before starting his service for the CAA Haines spent most of his career in the rail industry; he was Managing Director of South West Trains and the rail division of First Group plc. It is reported that his salary at Network Rail will be £588,000, including benefits, per annum; 30% less than Carne’s own pay packet of £820,000. 9% of Haines’ basic salary will also be dependent upon performance, and all remuneration will be subject to annual review.