Thursday 4 Feb 2010
NEW NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS APPOINTED
- Region & Route:
- National
The board of Network Rail is set to see further additions this week as two new non-executive directors are appointed - David Higgins and Graham Eccles.
David Higgins is a successful chief executive, civil engineer and project manager with over 20 years of experience in leading roles including:
- currently the chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority
- former chief executive of English Partnerships (2003-2005)
- ex-chief executive of Lend Lease (1995-2002)
Graham Eccles is a vastly experienced career railway manager with almost 45 years of operating, managing and directing Britain's railway. His career includes:
- deputy chairman of London Midland
- former chairman of the South East strategic health authority (2006-2009)
- board member of Stagecoach Group plc, chairman and managing director of South West Trains and co-chairman of Virgin Rail Group Ltd
Announcing the appointments, Network Rail’s chairman, Rick Haythornthwaite, said: “Strengthening and enhancing the board has been one of my priorities since joining the company. David and Graham bring a host of skills, experience and expertise with them that will be of great value to the company as it faces the challenges of the next five years and beyond."
A current non-executive director, Chris Green, has also announced that he will not be standing for re-election at the company's AGM in July.
Commenting on Chris' forthcoming departure Mr Haythornthwaite said: "Chris has been an invaluable member of the board. His knowledge and experience of the railways have served the company well and I wish him all the best for the future."
Notes to editors
The appointments were proposed at a recent meeting of the board’s nominations committee and will join the board later this month. Network Rail members will vote on their appointment at the company’s annual general meeting in July
David Higgins:
2006 to date: Chief executive, Olympic Delivery Authority
2003 to 2005: English Partnerships, chief executive
1995 to 2002: Group chief executive, Lend Lease
1990 to 1995: Chief executive, Lend Lease Property Services
Graham Eccles:
2009: Deputy chairman, London Midland
2006 to 2009: Chairman, South East Strategic Health Authority
2000 to 2006: Chairman, South West Trains; co-chaiman, Virgin Rail Group and thetrainline.com; main board director of Stagecoach Group plc
1999 to 2000: Managing director, South West Trains
1998 to 1999: Operations director, South West Trains
1996 to 1998; Senior role in Stagecoach's mergers and acquisitions
1993 to 1996: Managing Director, Network South Central Ltd
1962 to 1993: Various roles in British Rail including such senior positions as chief operations manager of the Anglia region, deputy chief of operations for the Southern Region and director of operations for Network South East
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