Industry tributes
“We’ll hear lots about his wonderful qualities as a railwayman and they’ll all fall short of capturing his incredible contribution to the industry.” Nigel Harris, RAIL Managing Editor and Events Director
“He was an inspiration to many people in the liberalised passenger rail industry.”
Nick Brooks, Secretary General of the Alliance of Rail New Entrants in Europe
“A well-respected railwayman who knew just how to run a railway. I had the pleasure of taking his portrait over the years and he was always very pleasant. I came away learning something every time.”
Jack Boskett, Professional Photographer
“He was absolutely dedicated to the railways and did so much for Chiltern over so many years. Above all, he was a real friend.” Victoria Prentis, North Oxfordshire MP
“We may have had the odd disagreement, but he was a genuine innovator who did amazing things for the railways, and he was always unfailingly courteous. An awful loss.” Christian Wolmar, Transport writer, broadcaster and RAIL columnist
“Despite ailing health, he came to London this year for the (Railfuture annual user group awards) judging session. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Adrian.”
Railfuture spokesperson
“I worked with him at Vivarail, and he was an immensely impressive man. It’s fair to say he was a rock star in UK rail. Rest easy now, sir.”
Robert Wilson, Electrical engineer
“We are sorry to hear of his passing. With his vast experience from BR, Adrian built a brilliant team and well performing operating company that Stratford-upon-Avon benefited from.”
Fraser Pithie, Chairman of the Shakespeare Line Promotion Group
“I had the privilege to sit with him at a number of industry events and found him to be such an interesting man - one with a great knowledge of the history of the railway as well as a very modern view of its future.”
Nina Lockwood, Founder of Intuitive Interim & Executive Search
“He had that rare combination you see in the best leaders of being totally clear on the long-term future, obsessive about today, and empowering his team to focus on everything from tomorrow to ten years’ hence.”
Thomas Ableman, Director of Strategy & Innovation at Transport for London
“A great railwayman, superb leader, and good friend. You will be missed.”
Michael York, Operations Director at Rail Adventure UK
“Everyone here is saddened by the news of Adrian’s passing. Many of our team and members knew and worked with him, and their careers were enriched by his passionate advocacy of the role of the operator in delivering for the railway and its customers.”
Andy Bagnall, CEO of Rail Partners