Sir Andrew Haines to retire from Network Rail

 Sir Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, has announced he will retire from the company in October 2025.

“It has been a privilege to lead Network Rail through a time of such change and transformation for Britain’s railways, and I am proud of the progress that we have made on performance, safety, reliability and customer service,” he said.

“After seven years as chief executive, as Great British Railways starts to progress through legislation and into implementation, I have decided it is the right time for me to retire.

“I am a passionate supporter of the principles behind Great British Railways and the once-in-a-generation opportunity it presents to create an integrated railway that delivers a better service and experience for passengers, stakeholders and colleagues. It has been a privilege to lead this transformational journey to date.”

Sir Andrew’s career in transport began as a holiday job in the left luggage office at Victoria Station, before he became one of the youngest leaders in rail at South West Trains, transforming its declining performance and significantly improving punctuality.

As head of the Civil Aviation Authority, his fresh thinking and vision were crucial in implementing passenger-focused reforms. He did this while building on the UK’s excellent record in aviation safety and security. He also led the sector through the process of reopening the airways following the Icelandic volcanic eruption in 2010 and transformed the CAA into an emergency airline for what was the largest peace time repatriation of British citizens following the collapse of Monarch Airlines.

Sir Andrew joined Network Rail in August 2018 and, during his seven years as chief executive, has maintained a relentless focus on making the organisation a more customer-facing organisation and drive improved performance.

He led the company through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that the railways ran safely and efficiently for key workers and critical goods. His commitment to maintaining open communication and supporting the supply chain was widely acknowledged, earning him a special award from the Railway Industry Association in 2020 for outstanding leadership.

Sir Andrew has helped to turn around Network Rail’s performance on major projects and infrastructure delivery, driving a new focus on cost-control and efficiency, such as the £10 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade and outperforming its regulatory efficiency targets.  The company has achieved best-ever levels of safety under his leadership.

A passionate advocate for professional development, Sir Andrew championed structured training and continuous learning to cultivate the next generation of railway leaders. He stressed that “we cannot afford to see operational expertise as a given – we must invest in it, nurture it, and ensure that the skills of our people evolve alongside the industry.”

Recently, he has been a co-instigator and sponsor of a new social mobility network across the rail sector reflecting his passion to create opportunities for everyone who strives to succeed and make a difference.

He received his Knighthood in the 2025 Honours list.

Since the news of his retirement was broken, tributes have poured in from colleagues, industry bodies, and politicians alike.

Network Rail Acting Chair Mike Putnam said: “Andrew has been an exceptional leader for Network Rail at a critical time in the history of Britain’s railways. He has secured reforms that will lead to a more reliable railway, while maintaining a continual focus on safety and performance.

“His vision, leadership and ambition for an integrated, simpler railway that will deliver a significantly better experience for passengers has been at the heart of the creation of Great British Railways.

“I’d like to thank Andrew for his unwavering dedication and leadership of Network Rail over the last seven years.”

Ben Plowden, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, commented: “Sir Andrew has been a passionate advocate of the railways, and has helped create the framework for the generational change, Great British Railways, that passengers and the industry need. We thank Sir Andrew for his service and wish him well.”

The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO) also extended its gratitude for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to operational excellence. “Throughout his time with Network Rail, Sir Andrew has been a staunch advocate for the rail operations profession and a strong supporter of CIRO’s mission to advance excellence in railway operations,” the organisation said in a statement.

CIRO CEO Phil Sherratt added: “Sir Andrew has been the most dedicated public servant, navigating our industry through immense challenge and change. On behalf of the operating community, I thank him for his invaluable contributions – not only to the wider railway but specifically to promoting operations as a profession.”

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said “I’d like to thank Andrew for the commitment and leadership he’s shown over the past seven years. He provided stability during the most challenging of periods and ensured the railway kept running throughout the pandemic and through national industrial action.

“His vision and support has been vital as we establish Great British Railways – one of this government’s biggest reforms. His work has been a key part of our efforts to deliver a simpler, more efficient railway, with passengers at its heart.”

The process of choosing a successor will begin shortly, Network Rail has said, led by the Nomination & Remuneration Committee of the Network Rail Board, and subject to Secretary of State approval.

Image credit: Network Rail