DFTO appoints chief information officer
Mark Robinson has been appointed chief information officer (CIO) of DfT Operator (DFTO). He will lead DFTO’s digital, data, and cybersecurity strategy and provide a strategic overview across all train operators in public ownership.
Mark has over two decades of experience delivering large-scale digital transformation projects across complex public and private sector organisations. Prior to joining DFTO, he served as director of technology at the Ministry of Justice where he managed one of the UK’s largest technology estates.
Mark has also held senior roles at Cubic Corporation, where he managed infrastructure supporting Transport for London’s Oyster and Contactless payment systems, and at Red Bee Media, where he led a global infrastructure strategy for brands including the BBC, Channel 4, BT Sport, and Disney.
Commenting on his appointment, Mark said: “I’m excited to have joined DFTO at such a transformative time for the rail industry.
“My focus will be on creating a secure, data-driven and future-ready technology environment that supports the public ownership programme as the journey towards Great British Railways accelerates in 2026.”
James Howard takes lead on Northern’s rolling stock
James Howard, who became director of new rolling stock programmes in December 2025, has taken charge of the operator’s plan to buy hundreds of new trains.
Northern is planning to make the largest ever investment in its fleet, by purchasing up to 450 trains in three phases. That will include around 130 trains in the first phase. The publicly-owned operator invited manufacturers to submit a final tender in November and those submissions are due next month. Northern is aiming to award the contracts by early 2027 and have the first trains delivered in 2030.
Over the last few years James has played a key role in developing the ambitious plan for new trains and the business case, which must be approved by the government.
“This will be a step change for the North,” he said. “It will be the largest ever investment in our fleet, providing our customers with modern, reliable trains, and we are working to deliver them as quickly as possible.
“Getting to this point hasn’t been easy but that only fuels our desire to see it through. I fundamentally believe Northern needs these new trains and our customers deserve them.”
James first joined Northern in 2011, as a business analyst and auditor. He moved to Stagecoach in 2016 and spent two years with the company’s rail franchise bid team. He returned to Northern in 2018, shortly after the operator purchased 101 trains as part of a £500 million government-backed investment.
Since 2020, when Northern was brought back under public control, he has been involved in developing the operator’s new rolling stock strategy.
Siemens Mobility announces new joint CEO
Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland has named Aglaja Schneider as joint chief executive officer and managing director for rolling stock and customer services in the UK & Ireland.
Aglaja joins the company’s existing senior leadership team in the UK, consisting of Rob Morris (joint UK&I chief executive officer) and Marko Feulner (chief financial officer and chair of the board UK&I), spearheading their mission to transform rail travel and transport across the country.
Michael Peter, CEO and managing director of Siemens Mobility, said: “Aglaja’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the UK and Irish rail industries, as we look to deliver Britain’s first battery bi-mode trains from Goole, digitalise signalling from Chippenham, and train the next generation of rail engineers in Northampton.
“The UK and Ireland are amongst our key markets, and with Aglaja, Rob’s, and Marko’s leadership, alongside our innovative and sustainable rail portfolio, I am confident we are well positioned to transform rail travel and transport in the UK and Ireland.”
Aglaja has extensive leadership experience within Siemens Mobility, most recently serving as project director for the Piccadilly line and head of the London Deep Tube Upgrade Programme.
She said: “I am excited to take on the role of joint CEO at a time when the UK rail industry is entering a transformative phase, with rail reform accelerating and Great British Railways bringing track and train closer together to improve passenger journeys. This is a moment that calls for bold thinking and strong collaboration. I will continue to work with our partners and customers as we strive to transform rail travel and transport for everyone.”
Railway Mission welcomes new Northeast chaplain
The Railway Mission has announced the appointment of Frances Roscoe as its new chaplain for the Northeast of England.
Frances joins the Railway Mission with a rich and varied background spanning education, pastoral care, and community support. She brings a deep commitment to encouraging others and helping them recognise their own potential.
Frances began her professional career as a primary teacher and went on to work in a wide range of educational and support roles, including tutor, EFL teacher, parent support advisor, teaching assistant, and A Level Psychology teacher. Throughout these roles, supporting and uplifting others has remained central to her vocation.
Her calling to chaplaincy emerged in 2018 when she became a university chaplain in Falmouth, Cornwall. Working as part of a multifaith chaplaincy team, Frances supported students and staff through a wide range of personal and professional challenges, offering a welcoming presence, confidential listening and gentle guidance.
Frances takes over the Northeast chaplaincy role from Andrew Mitchell, who is moving into an new position leading the Railway Mission’s new training programme, Paideia Coaching.
Liam Johnston, executive director of the Railway Mission, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Frances to the Railway Mission team. Her warmth, sensitivity and depth of experience in both education and chaplaincy make her an excellent fit for the Northeast.
“Frances has a real heart for people, and I am confident she will make a meaningful difference to those she meets on the railways. We are also deeply grateful to Andrew Mitchell for his faithful service in the region and excited to see him take forward our new Paideia Coaching training programme, which will equip and support chaplains and leaders into the future.”
New leadership appointments at Loram EMEA
Loram EMEA has announced the appointment of Lee Tinney as managing director. Lee brings a wealth of experience and will focus on strengthening Loram’s relationships with customers, suppliers, and stakeholders throughout the UK and EMEA.
With over two decades of experience in the railway industry, Lee brings extensive expertise in delivering rail maintenance services across the UK, USA, Europe, and the Middle East. Since joining Loram EMEA in 2015, he has served as operations director, overseeing contract services, aftermarket support, and the integration of new technologies.
Lee commented: “I am delighted to be leading Loram EMEA at this exciting time for the business as we look to introducing our newest Rail Grinders into specific markets and prepare to deploy the latest technology from our US parent to support safer and more reliable railways across the EMEA region.”
In addition, Jennifer Gladding has been named as operations director. As a chartered engineer, Jennifer will lead Loram EMEA’s Operations and the Derby-based Infrastructure Monitoring team.
Brad Willems, president and CEO, Loram Maintenance of Way Inc., said: “I want to congratulate Lee and Jen on their appointments – both bring huge amounts of energy and experience to their new roles, and they share a passion for delivery and customer service.
“The UK and EMEA regions form a key part of Loram’s ambitious global strategy, and I’m delighted that Lee and Jen will give a renewed focus to existing and new markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.”
QTS Group names HR director
QTS Group has appointed Sara Crosby as its new HR director. She is the first HR representative appointed to the company’s board.
Her appointment will support QTS Group’s growing workforce, which has expanded significantly in recent years. The company now employs more than 750 people, requiring a larger HR function.
In the role, Sara will support the existing HR team as it transitions to an advanced operation, which includes a restructure of the existing team to create four new job openings.
These positions are being recruited for in early 2026 and will further strengthen HR capabilities across the business, enhancing learning and development programmes to support employees with career progression.
Boasting more than 15 years of HR experience, Sara has moved to QTS Group following a five-year stint at Story Contracting.
Discussing her new post, Sara said: “QTS has a very established culture and a strong existing HR function, which was a major attraction for me. HR has a crucial role to play as the gatekeeper for attraction and retention, and there is real potential here to build the right structure and support that helps people succeed.
“Having spent time in operational roles, I understand the pressures faced on the ground and the support that good HR can provide. We are continuing to invest in our people, strengthening line management capabilities and creating the development pathways that will help us retain top talent for the long term.”
New chairs named at Network Rail and DFTO
Two key rail leaders have been appointed to oversee the railways at a monumental time for the industry.
Richard George has been appointed Chair of Network Rail, the public body that owns, operates, maintains, and develops Britain’s railway infrastructure.
Sir Andrew Haines will become Chair of Department for Transport Operator Limited (DFTO), the government body bringing all currently privately-owned train services into public ownership ahead of the creation of Great British Railways.
With significant experience in the rail industry, both appointees will support the Government’s mission to bring together track and train – delivering a better service for passengers.
Richard has 45 years of experience operating at the most senior level in the UK transport industry and is the current Chair of DFTO. His extensive career includes roles as managing director of Great Western Trains and HS1 project director for Eurostar, as well as an advisor to the Department for Transport on matters relating to rail performance and investment in the north of England. Prior to privatisation, he had 20 years railway management experience with British Rail.
Sheena Smith named RSSB non-executive director
The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has appointed Sheena Smith to the RSSB board as an industry non-executive director (suppliers).
Sheena is a founding director and technical director for assurance of Anturas Consulting, which specialises in programme management and initiation and technical assurance services for complex infrastructure projects, particularly in the rail sector.
She has more than 25 years of experience supporting large infrastructure projects and is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Quality Professional. She is a specialist in rail system safety and contributes to the company’s strategic direction in the UK and globally.
On her appointment, Sheena said: “It’s a privilege to join RSSB as a non-executive director. My career has centred on rail system safety, engineering assurance, and collaborative delivery, and I’m keen to contribute that experience to the board’s evidence based decision making.
I’m looking forward to strengthening the partnership between RSSB and the supply chain so we can help the railway innovate safely and deliver real value on the ground.”
Leadership shake-up at Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald has appointed Rachel Ellison to the new position of operations director for UK and Europe.
Rachel will play a central leadership role across the region together with Richard Risdon in his dual role as managing director for UK and Europe and group strategy director on the executive board. She will focus on driving profitable, sustainable and strategically aligned growth across the UK and Europe, and will be instrumental in translating and embedding group strategies within the region.
Rachel will be replaced as managing director for advisory and programme delivery by Kerry Hancock, who is moving from her regional development manager position. Kerry brings vast experience from across Mott MacDonald’s business and markets having previously spent four years in leadership roles for the advisory and programme delivery business.
At the same time, Sally Russell is taking on the managing director role for Mott MacDonald’s water and environment business, as Tim Hill moves into a technical director role, supporting the delivery of the Strategic Resource Options Programme.
