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Wednesday 29 Jan 2025

First new deputy managing director appointed in Network Rail’s Eastern region

Region & Route:

Eastern

Jamie Burles has been appointed as Network Rail’s first deputy managing director for the Eastern region, a newly created role to support leadership across four major routes.

Jamie, who started in the role this month, joins Network Rail from Greater Anglia – where he spent a decade leading the transformation of East Anglia’s rail services.

During his tenure, he oversaw a significant capital investment programme and industry-leading levels of train service.

In his new role, Jamie will work alongside Jake Kelly, the current regional managing director of the Eastern region, to provide executive influence and strategic leadership across the East Coast, North and East, East Midlands, and Anglia routes.

He will also support Ellie Burrows, who will take on the role of regional managing director in April 2025, following Jake’s return to North West & Central as their new regional managing director.

Jamie will play a key role in helping deliver Network Rail’s control period commitments and drive sustainable improvements for both passengers and freight users – contributing to the vision of a simpler, better, greener railway.

Speaking of his appointment, Jamie said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new deputy regional managing director. This region is a vital part of the network, connecting passengers across cities like Leeds, Sheffield, Derby, Norwich, Cambridge and London.

“It will also see transformational infrastructure investment over the coming years, such as the Midland Main Line Upgrade and the East Coast Digital Programme, linking people on a greener and more reliable railway.

“I am looking forward to working closely with our passengers, partners and colleagues to improve rail services and it is great to already see the excellent work being done across the region.”