Media centre

Friday 18 Sep 2026

Rail industry unites communications leadership ahead of Great British Railways transition

Region & Route:

National

• Molly Neal appointed as Integrated Communications Director, working across DFTO and Network Rail.
• New role aligns messaging across the rail industry as it transitions to Great British Railways (GBR).
• Landmark appointment marks a major practical step in bringing track and train closer together.

In a major step toward unifying the UK’s rail network, Network Rail’s Group Director of Communications, Molly Neal, has been appointed Integrated Communications Director across DFTO and Network Rail.

For the first time, a single communications function will span both organisations, aligning strategic messaging across the railway system as it transitions toward Great British Railways (GBR).

Molly will sit on the Executive Leadership Teams of both Network Rail and DFTO, while serving as Head of Profession for corporate affairs and communications across the sector. In this expanded capacity, she will provide unified leadership across DFTO, publicly owned Train Operating Companies, and Network Rail throughout the transition to and stand-up of GBR.

Molly is a highly experienced communications and corporate affairs leader with more than 20 years' experience across infrastructure, energy, property, media and financial services. Currently Group Director of Communications at Network Rail, she has been instrumental in shaping communications for the transition to Great British Railways. Prior to joining the railway, she held senior leadership roles at National Grid and Landsec and spent a decade in journalism, predominantly at The Wall Street Journal. She is known for building high-performing teams and leading communications through periods of significant transformation.

This integrated role has been established to align industry communications in the same way the sector is bringing track and train operations together in the lead up to GBR. Neal’s unified remit covers internal communications, external and media relations, digital and social media, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, behaviour change campaigns, and community relations. She will be tasked with delivering measurable improvements in public trust, stakeholder confidence, and workforce engagement during this pivotal period of reform.

Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said:

"Bringing track and train together isn't just about operations- it is about how we listen to and talk with our passengers. Molly’s appointment represents a critical step forward in delivering a clear, joined-up voice for the railway. Under her leadership, a unified communications approach will ensure passengers receive transparent, consistent information as we transform the network into a modern, integrated railway."

Alex Hynes, Chief Executive of DFTO, said:

"As we build the foundation for Great British Railways, seamless collaboration across all parts of the industry is essential. Molly brings exceptional strategic vision to this new role. Aligning our communications across DFTO and Network Rail ensures that both organisations are aligned behind a single, shared vision for the future of rail."

Molly Neal, Integrated Communications Director, said:

"This is a pivotal moment for the rail industry, and I'm focused on ensuring our customers, stakeholders and dedicated workforce are at the heart of the journey towards Great British Railways. Creating a single communications function across the railway will enable us to speak with one voice, build deeper public trust and clearly demonstrate the tangible benefits an integrated railway can deliver for customers, communities and the wider economy."