Media centre

Monday 14 Feb 2022

Network Rail appoints Rob Morton as Route Services managing director

Region & Route:

National

Network Rail is pleased to confirm that Rob Morton has been appointed as the new managing director for Route Services, replacing Susan Cooklin, who is leaving the organisation in March after 16 years’ service.

Following a successful career in the private sector, including senior roles with Centrica (British Gas parent company) and LogicaCMG, Rob joined Network Rail as supply chain director in June 2017. Over the past five years, he has spearheaded Network Rail’s relationships and commercial arrangements with suppliers, led a supply chain cost reduction programme that saved £330m, and improved Network Rail’s logistics capability to levels comparable with the best retail and manufacturing operations.

Commenting on his appointment, Rob said: “I am delighted to be succeeding Susan as managing director of Route Services and can’t wait to get started.

“While we are facing some challenges as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is an exciting time to be working in the rail industry. The Route Services function is a major part of Network Rail and has an important role to play in creating a more reliable and efficient railway. I look forward to playing my part in delivering that as we all work towards a Great British Railway.”

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, added: “I am really pleased that Rob will join my Executive Leadership Team and lead our Route Services function. His leadership, diligence, experience and detailed knowledge of Route Services will be vital in continuing Susan’s work.

“I would like to thank Susan for her exemplary service. She has overseen huge steps in our collective efforts to modernise and deliver a better railway for passengers and freight customers, and ensured that Route Services has delivered an excellent service for our routes and regions.”

From today (14 February), Susan and Rob will begin a handover process to ensure a smooth transition.

Notes to editors

• Route Services supplies critical services for Network Rail’s routes and regions that are best provided from a national team, delivering efficiencies and consistency. It includes business and technical services, commercial and procurement, engineering services, IT services, telecoms, supply chain operations, finance and business support, and HR.