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Monday 24 Mar 2025

New managing director appointed for Network Rail's Eastern region

Region & Route:

Eastern

Ellie Burrows has today officially started her role as managing director for Network Rail's Eastern region.

She joins with over 20 years' rail industry experience, having previously served as managing director for Network Rail's Southern region, where she oversaw one of Britain's busiest rail networks carrying more than 1 million passengers daily.

Ellie delivered significant improvements in performance and safety in her previous role as route director for Anglia while supporting the Elizabeth Line's introduction. She also transformed stakeholder relationships, which proved vital to delivering enhancement and change programmes.

In her new role, Ellie will work alongside newly appointed deputy regional managing director Jamie Burles to provide executive guidance and leadership across the East Coast, North and East, East Midlands, and Anglia routes.

She will play a key role in delivering Network Rail's control period commitments and driving sustainable improvements for passengers and freight users – connecting communities across cities including Leeds, Sheffield, Derby, Norwich, Cambridge and London.

The Eastern region will see transformational infrastructure investment over the coming years, including the Midland Main Line Upgrade and the East Coast Digital Programme – creating a more reliable, greener and faster railway.

Ellie replaces Jake Kelly, who is returning to the North West & Central region as their new regional managing director.

Her extensive leadership experience spans different regions, operators, disciplines and service types. She previously worked as train service director and deputy managing director for Southeastern, and as area director in both the Kent and Sussex routes.

Speaking about starting her new role, Ellie Burrows said: "I am delighted to be joining Network Rail's Eastern region at such an important time for our railway. I look forward to working with colleagues and industry partners to deliver the safe, reliable service that our passengers and freight customers deserve."

Ellie chairs the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators (CIRO) and the RSSB System Safety Risk Group, contributing to the delivery of the 'Leading Health and Safety on Britain's Railways' strategy. She is particularly passionate about developing people and skills within the rail industry.