Haines to leave planes for trains and top job at NR
NETWORK Rail has appointed Andrew Haines OBE as its new Chief Executive.
Haines will join NR in early autumn, when he leaves his current post as Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). He replaces current chief executive Mark Carne, who announced his decision to retire earlier this year.
His salary will be £588,000 including benefits, which is 27% lower than Carne’s. It will be reviewed annually and includes an ‘at risk’ performance-related pay element of up to 9% of basic salary. That will be dependent upon performance measured against safety, financial, asset management, project delivery, and customer and train performance metrics.
Before joining the CAA, Haines was Managing Director of the Rail Division for FirstGroup plc. Prior to that, he was MD of South West Trains. He will relinquish his current role as non-executive director of Eversholt Rail UK Ltd. Haines received his OBE in 2016 for services to transport.
NR Chairman Sir Peter Hendy CBE made the appointment on behalf of the NR board. Hendy said: “He was the most outstanding candidate in a highly competitive appointment process. Andrew’s broad experience of rail and transport, and his reputation for relentless delivery and improvement, makes him the ideal candidate to carry on with the transformation of Network Rail that has been led by Mark Carne.
“Andrew will drive delivery of the railway improvements set out in the strategic business plan for 2019-24, ensuring Network Rail’s continuing focus on safety, performance and costeffectiveness, and thus delivering a better experience for the millions of passengers who travel every day on our railways.”
Haines said: “Since my first job as a left luggage clerk at London Victoria, I’ve been passionate about improving the services that the railways provide to customers and the wider economy.”
Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling welcomed the appointment, saying: “He has done an outstanding job at the CAA, and has an impressive track record in the rail industry. Under Andrew’s leadership I look forward to Network Rail continuing its transformation into devolved route businesses, working in partnership with train operators to improve performance for passengers.”
Hendy said of Carne: “His focus on devolution and empowering people has transformed safety and the performance culture of the organisation. Mark leaves a significant legacy for Andrew to build on.”
Grayling said Carne would “leave behind an impressive legacy, including the successful delivery of vital national projects like the new London Bridge station, the creation of a compelling vision for a digital railway, a strong business plan for CP6, and outstanding leadership on safety and diversity”.
Rail Delivery Group Chairman Chris Burchell was on the appointment panel. He said: “RDG welcomes the appointment of Andrew Haines to Network Rail at a time when strong and progressive leadership of the company is vital.”
“He was the most outstanding candidate in a highly competitive appointment process.” Sir Peter Hendy CBE