Media centre

Tuesday 21 Jul 2020

Network Rail: Wales and Western director, Mark Langman to retire

Region & Route:

Wales & Western

After 34-years working in the industry, Network Rail's Wales and Western director Mark Langman has announced his decision to retire in December.

Mark joined British Rail, as it was then, in 1986 on the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) as an apprentice. Since then, Mark has worked in a number of roles across the business, from managed stations in London at the start of his career, through to control rooms, performance management, strategic change management then operations management and directorship. He became general manager for Wales and Marches in 2005, route managing director for Wales in 2011, route director for Western in 2015 and he now leads the Wales and Western region, as director.

Speaking about his decision to retire from Network Rail, Mark Langman said:

“It’s been exhilarating, and I have absolutely enjoyed every moment of the 34 years I have spent working in the rail industry. On a personal level, working here has enabled me, with a sprinkling of my own determination and ambition, to achieve so much more than I could have imagined when I started in 1986. I am extremely grateful for this and it is testament to the rail industry and Network Rail, as an employer, taking me on as a young apprentice and helped me grow into the leader I have become.  I will leave proud and with many happy memories.

“There are many significant developments I have been a part of during my time at Network Rail.  I am particularly proud to have set up and led the new devolved Wales Route as well as lead Wales and Western region when, after many years in the waiting, we completed full electrification between Cardiff and London. This also came at the time we introduced transformational new trains and largest timetable change in a generation for passengers” 

“It wasn’t an easy decision to retire this coming December, but it is the correct decision for me at this time. I would like to thank all my colleagues, who I have worked alongside over the many years at the organisation and wish them, and indeed Network Rail, all the very best for the future.”

Network Rail chief executive, Andrew Haines, added:

“Mark has done a huge amount for the users of the railway, passengers and freight, and as a role model for colleagues who aspire to develop within a business sector where you can start in a very junior role and end in the most senior positions.  Mark’s leadership and knowledge and commitment have been amply demonstrated in the outstanding way he has led key elements of our response to the Covid-19 crisis. Many thousands of key workers who will have never heard of him have been supported by Mark over the last few months.”