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Monday 15 Sep 2014

Network Rail announces new managing director, network operations

Region & Route:

National

Network Rail has announced a new managing director, network operations to take over from Robin Gisby who has decided to leave next year. Phil Hufton, currently chief operating officer of London Underground, will be joining in early 2015 and will have an orderly handover from Robin.

Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail said: “I am sure that, like me, everyone in the industry would like to thank Robin for his many years of outstanding service to the railway. He has been a key player in developing the busiest and safest railway in Europe and will be missed by very many people across the industry.

“The number of passengers on our railway has doubled in 20 years. Whilst railways are a modern success story, many of our routes are now running at full capacity at peak times which can create delays and overcrowding for passengers. That is why we are now investing £38 billion in the next five years, including an ambitious programme of enhancements and renewals.

“It is against this context that I am delighted to welcome Phil to one of the most challenging jobs in the industry – to keep the trains running on time, whilst developing the network, delivering further safety improvements and reducing costs by a fifth.

“Phil brings a wealth of experience of running railways, maintenance, assets and other major infrastructure around the world, and we look forward to welcoming him to Network Rail.”

Robin Gisby said: “This has been one of the most challenging but interesting roles in the sector. I feel enormously privileged to have been part of the renaissance of the railways over the last 20 years. We are in a genuine golden era of passenger demand and investment, and the time is right to pass the baton on to Phil. I wish him every success.”

Phil Hufton said: “Whilst I am extremely disappointed to leave London Underground at a very exciting time, I am really looking forward to joining Network Rail to help develop and grow the network and further establish a safe and reliable railway. Network Rail plays such a vital role in keeping the nation moving and I am delighted to be joining the team at the heart of the business’ success.”

Phil Hufton has been chief operating officer at London Underground since June 2013, bringing together the asset performance responsibility, which he had led from 2008, with the operating railway. He also leads the reliability programme across London Rail and London Underground, delivering improvements as well as the material strategy for London Underground. His previous career included manufacturing and engineering around the world, mainly in the rail industry.