Media centre

Notes to editors

Sir Ian McAllister CBE was born in 1943 and graduated from London University, where he gained a BSc in Economics in 1964. He was appointed Chairman of Network Rail in October 2002 following the acquisition of Railtrack plc. Sir Ian was previously the Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Britain, having joined the company in August 1964. He has a vast amount of experience of the motor industry having held various positions within Ford in Britain, Germany and the USA. In addition to being Chairman of Network Rail, Sir Ian is Chairman of the Carbon Trust. He is also a Non-Executive Director of Scottish and Newcastle plc, Director of the Energy Savings Trust and Director of UCL Business. He is a member of many prominent organisations including the Chartered Management Institute, the CBI Presidents’ Committee, and the ICA Corporate Responsibility Advisory Group. His past roles include Deputy Chairmanship of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, Presidency of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and Membership of the Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment. He has other wide-ranging interests, including a close working relationship with the Essex County Council Business Group, The Prince’s “Seeing is Believing” Programme, and is a member of the Advisory Board of Victim Support. He is also a keen supporter of Manchester United Football Club. Sir Ian, who is married and has four children - three sons and a daughter - was awarded the CBE in the Queen's New Year Honours in 1996. He was born in Glasgow and brought up in Lancashire and lives in Essex.