The rail industry is powered by its people and each month brings new appointments, promotions, and career milestones. RailStaff shines a spotlight on the latest leadership changes, fresh talent, and notable moves shaping the rail sector.
Richard Ellis-Edwards joins Resonate
Resonate Group has appointed Richard Ellis-Edwards as head of client development, bringing over 20 years of rail industry expertise across the UK and Europe to drive sustainable growth in data-driven rail and traffic management technologies.
In the role, Richard will be responsible for facilitating growth with Resonate’s existing client base, working closely with teams across the business, while also seeking expansion into new routes and opening up fresh market opportunities.
He has built a career spanning operations, fleet and maintenance management, as well as contract and programme management. Over the past 12 years he has held senior positions with a strategic focus on growth and business development at Nomad Digital (Alstom), Frequentis, and most recently Arcadis, covering critical communications, enterprise asset management and professional services.
Richard has led the rollout of Connectivity Solutions and Driver Advisory Systems for CrossCountry Trains, pioneering an industry-first approach to the UK Government for high-speed trackside communications operations, maintenance and lifecycle modelling, and earning a Railway Golden Spanner award for the CrossCountry Trains fleet, recognised as the most reliable.
“I’m delighted to be joining Resonate at such an exciting time for the business, with sights firmly set on growth and expansion,” said Richard, “The rail sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation and there is a real opportunity to deliver value for clients and passengers through data-driven innovation to create a safer, sustainable and more reliable railway.
I look forward to working closely with our customers to help shape the future of railway operations.”
Huw Merriman joins High Speed Rail Group
The High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) has announced the appointment of former Rail Minister and Chair of the Transport Select Committee, Huw Merriman, as non-executive chair of the HSRG.
Huw served as Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle constituency from 2015 to 2024, and was Minister of State for Rail, HS2 and Regional Transport at the Department for Transport between October 2022 and July 2024.
Prior to holding ministerial office, Huw was Chair of the Transport Select Committee for almost three years, and a member for seven years, and also served as Parliamentary Private Secretary at both the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury.
Commenting on his appointment, Huw said: “I have long championed rail as central to driving economic growth, connecting communities and supporting a more sustainable transport network. The UK now stands at an important crossroad for high speed rail. While progress on HS2 since the reset is encouraging, crucial decisions on Northern connectivity are still awaited. It is vital that these decisions fully reflect the opportunities for improved connectivity, increased capacity and regional growth.
“Developing a national, integrated rail network that connects North, South, East and West is in the national interest so I look forward to supporting and advising the High Speed Rail Group as it continues to make the case for high speed rail as a driver of national prosperity, innovation and opportunity.”
Mark Hopwood CBE steps up at CIRO
Jim Meade is stepping down as chair of the CIRO board after guiding the institution through a period of change and innovation. He is succeeded by Mark Hopwood CBE, managing director of Great Western Railway, who will take on the role of chair. This transition ensures continued strong leadership as CIRO supports members and partners across the railway industry.
Mark brings more than 30 years of experience in rail leadership. As managing director of Great Western Railway, he has overseen one of the UK’s largest train operating companies, leading a complex programme of modernisation including fleet renewal, timetable transformation, and customer service improvements.
Mark has also held senior leadership roles across the FirstGroup portfolio, including interim managing director of South Western Railway, and has built a strong reputation for collaboration, operational delivery, and customer focus. His contribution to the industry was recognised with a CBE in the 2020 New Year Honours.
On taking the new role, Mark said: “I’m honoured to be appointed chair of CIRO at such a pivotal moment for our industry. This new era for rail is an exciting one that will demand fresh thinking, sharper skills and closer collaboration to realise its full potential. The institution has already redefined its mission and values, and is now laying the foundations for a more visible, collaborative and influential role across the sector.
“My priority will be to build on this strong platform to put people at the heart of that journey – ensuring CIRO not only supports but actively accelerates the development of rail professionals. By inspiring the next generation and strengthening the expertise of today’s leaders, I want CIRO to be the first choice for anyone who sees their future in railway operations, and a driving force in shaping the railway of tomorrow.”
AECOM welcomes Steve Highman to executive team
Global infrastructure firm AECOM has announced the appointment of Steve Higham as managing director for transportation in Europe and India. Steve will lead the company’s transportation business in the region. He also joins the regional executive leadership team.
A civil engineer with 28 years’ experience in transport and infrastructure engineering, Steve joins AECOM from SYSTRA, where he was managing director of its UK & Ireland engineering business and a member of the SYSTRA Ltd Executive Committee. He has extensive experience in delivering major infrastructure projects and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
“We’re delighted to welcome Steve to the team,” said Richard Whitehead, chief executive, Europe and India, AECOM. “His deep expertise in delivering large-scale transport projects and building trusted client relationships will be instrumental as we continue to grow our transportation business and deliver transformative solutions for our clients and communities across the region.”
“I’m excited to join AECOM at such a pivotal time for the transport sector, as governments across Europe increase investment in infrastructure,” said Steve.
“In the UK, the government’s strong commitment to accelerating infrastructure delivery offers significant opportunities for the sector, and I look forward to supporting our clients through this transformative period. It’s a privilege to lead such a talented and diverse team as we work together to deliver resilient, innovative, and better-connected transport solutions.”
Rachel McLean to retire from TfL
Rachel McLean, Transport for London’s (TfL) chief finance officer (CFO), will be retiring from TfL in February 2026.
Her career shaping London’s transport network has seen her play a central role in enabling TfL to achieve an operating surplus for the first time in its history, securing the first long-term capital funding agreement with Government since before the pandemic and delivering the game-changing Elizabeth line.
Rachel was appointed as TfL’s CFO in October 2022 and was previously the CFO for Crossrail and finance director for operations, having re-joined TfL in January 2020 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government where she was a board member and the director general – CFO.
Rachel was also previously the director of planning, performance, and finance at HMRC Customer Services.
London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord said: “Rachel’s retirement marks the close of an extraordinary chapter. Over her tenure she has led TfL to its first-ever operating surplus, delivering this milestone for two consecutive years, and with a third year of surplus set as our budget for this year.
“Rachel’s ability to influence and engage stakeholders at every level has been a defining strength. Her clarity, credibility, and calm leadership have earned trust across both central and local government, industry, and within our own teams – helping us navigate complexity with confidence. We wish her a happy and fulfilling retirement.”
Rachel said: “It has been an immense honour and privilege to play a small part in the success of TfL and this wonderful, vibrant city we serve. Even though I am retiring, I am confident that the exceptional leadership and committed teams working at TfL will make even greater progress in the months and years ahead.”
TfL has commenced a recruitment process to appoint a successor to the role.
Chair of Transport for the North steps down
Lord Patrick McLoughlin is standing down this autumn after more than four years as chair of Transport for the North
As chair, Lord McLoughlin has worked with the North’s political leaders to agree its second Strategic Transport Plan to unlock sustainable, inclusive growth through better connectivity.
He led the TfN board as it opposed plans to close rail station ticket offices at stations, a proposal ultimately dropped by the government, and has been a strong advocate for greater rail infrastructure and services investment to give the North’s communities and businesses the transport system they need.
Martin Tugwell, chief executive of Transport for the North, said: “I know political leaders and partners from across the North will join me in thanking Lord McLoughlin for his service to the board. His insight and experience, including as a former Transport Secretary, has helped guide our board and the TfN team over the last few years in working together to secure investment in the North’s transport system.”
Arrangements for Lord McLoughlin’s successor are yet to be announced.
New CEO at Arriva Group
Arriva Group has announced the appointment of Gianfranco Sgro as its new chief executive officer (CEO).
Gianfranco joins Arriva after almost 11 years at Kuehne+Nagel, the global logistics company, where he is currently executive vice president for contract logistics. He is also a member of the management board.
Prior to this, he was chief operating officer for Latin America at Pirelli for three years and had a long and varied leadership career at Ceva Logistics where he ended his time there as chief operating officer for South Europe, Middle East and Africa.
David Martin, executive chair at Arriva Group, said: “I’m delighted that Gianfranco is joining Arriva at such an important time for our group. His wealth of experience running complex, high value operational businesses through periods of growth, innovation, and change means he’s ideally positioned to lead this company.
“He has an exceptional track record in growing and developing successful businesses and I’m confident that under his leadership we will strengthen our ambition to be the leading passenger transport partner across Europe”.
Gianfranco commented: “It’s an incredibly important time for the public transportation sector, which plays a huge role in some of the big societal issues like decarbonisation and urbanisation that face the world today. I’m excited by the tremendous opportunity ahead of us and I’m looking forward to working with talented teams across the UK and Europe to deliver against the group’s ambitions”.
GTR names new people director
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has announced Ruth Busby OBE as its new people director.
Ruth will join GTR in November and brings to the role a powerful combination of deep sector expertise, strategic insight into rail, and a genuine passion for building an inclusive and purpose-driven organisational culture.
Ruth’s deep understanding of railway challenges and opportunities positions her well to lead GTR’s People strategy in line with the evolving demands of the sector – from talent attraction and retention, to creating collaborative and inclusive workplaces.
Over the course of her career Ruth has demonstrated outstanding leadership across both public service and transport sectors. She has worked in rail since 2018, first as HR director at Great Western Railway (GWR) and, from January 2023, as people & transformation director for GWR and Network Rail.
In recognition of her contributions to diversity and inclusion in the rail industry, Ruth was awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Year Honours list.
TPE welcomes new finance director
TransPennine Express (TPE) has announced the addition of Fiona Roberts as its new finance director.
Fiona brings a wealth of experience to the role, having led major finance transformation programmes in fast-moving and complex organisations.
She also has direct industry experience, having spent six years at Network Rail, with three years as a financial controller, where she gained valuable insight into the operational and financial challenges of the rail sector.
Most recently, Fiona successfully delivered a multi-year project at TalkTalk Group, improving processes, upgrading systems, and strengthening financial reporting, facilitating the company to progress through a period of significant change.
Speaking about her new role, Fiona said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the team at TPE, who are forward-thinking and ambitious, and where customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything they do.”
Reflecting on the wider rail industry, she added: “At this point in time, what excites me the most is the chance to work with TPE and industry leaders to shape the future of the railway and Great British Railways (GBR), while continuing to improve services for customers.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the business and contribute to its growth.”
New managing director – engineering at Systra
Systra UK & Ireland has appointed Jonathan Scott as managing director – engineering.
A chartered engineer with more than 30 years’ experience, Jonathan is a recognised figure in the transportation sector. Since joining Systra in 2022 as operations director for high-speed Rail, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the business into markets including energy, and water, and has overseen Systra’s work on HS2 in the West Midlands and at Old Oak Common.
Jonathan has led major infrastructure projects, from both a client and contractor perspective, across the UK and internationally, including California High-Speed Rail and rail systems in the US, Canada, and Taiwan. He is a fellow of the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET) and of rail infrastructure institution The PWI. Jonathan also lectures on degree courses at Glasgow Caledonian University for the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO).
In leading the engineering business, Jonathan will work closely with the wider senior leadership team, market directors and colleagues across Systra. His commitment to technical excellence, coupled with an unwavering dedication to health, safety, security, and wellness for all projects and people, will continue to shape Jonathan’s approach in his new role.
“I am thrilled to step into this role at such an exciting time for Systra,” said Jonathan. “With the breadth of expertise within our UK and Ireland teams, we are uniquely placed to deliver smarter, sustainable and more innovative solutions to the complex transport and infrastructure challenges our clients face.”
Chris Conway to leave Translink Group
Chris Conway, who joined Translink as group chief executive in September 2015, has announced his decision to leave the role next Spring 2026.
Translink is the public transport operator for Northern Ireland, delivering around 13 thousand services each day and managing over £5 billion of public transport assets.
During his tenure, the company saw record passenger growth with enhancements to service delivery and many high-profile investments successfully completed, including the Belfast Glider, zero emission buses, new trains, contactless ticketing, and station investments with the North-West Transport Hub, York Street Station and most recently Belfast Grand Central Station.
He has been a strong advocate for sustainable transport, and its benefits to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Northern Ireland, launching the Translink Better Connected strategy in 2022.
Chris said, “It has been a privilege to serve the public in this role and to work with an exceptional team of hardworking and dedicated people, who make such a positive impact to life in Northern Ireland.”
Frank Allen, Chair of Translink said, “I would like to pay tribute to Chris and extend my sincere thanks for his outstanding leadership. Over the past decade, his vision and values have not only reshaped public transport in Northern Ireland but have also propelled it forward with purpose and ambition.
“Under his stewardship, Translink has undergone a remarkable transformation. His enduring legacy will be defined by innovation, sustainability, and civic impact – a solid foundation for future growth.”
The recruitment process for a new CEO will begin in the coming weeks.
Victa Railfreight appoints new managing director
Victa Railfreight has announced the appointment of Debbie Simmons as its new managing director, taking over from company founder Neil Sime, who will move into the role of executive chairman.
Debbie has been part of Victa for 13 years, including 10 years full-time, and most recently served as contracts and resources manager. With extensive experience in business and people management, she has been a valued member of the senior management team for the past decade, bringing deep insight and expertise to Victa’s operations.
Speaking on her appointment, Debbie said: “I am delighted to step into the role of managing director at such an important milestone in Victa’s history. Over the years I have seen first-hand the company’s dedication to innovation, safety, and customer service. I look forward to building on Neil’s legacy and leading our talented team as we continue to deliver specialist rail freight solutions for the future.”
Neil Sime, who founded Victa Railfreight in 1995 and has a distinguished 45-year career in the rail freight industry, will remain closely involved in the business. As Executive Chairman he will continue to support the management team, lead on Solutions Design as a consultant to the freight sector and remain actively involved in various industry forums and committees, including his longstanding membership of the Rail Freight Group board.
Neil said: “It has been a privilege to lead Victa for the past three decades, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. Debbie has been an integral part of our journey and is the ideal person to take the company forward. We are confident she will lead the company into its next chapter with strength and vision and I look forward to working alongside her as we continue to innovate and grow.”
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