Network Rail has seen the appointment of Jake Kelly as its new Managing Director for its Eastern region and will start in his new position on the 4th of September.

Jake is making the move to his new position as MD for the Eastern region from his previous role with the company as System Operator Director which he has held since 2021 and also has experience with Network Rail’s North West and Central region since 2019 working as Passenger Director.

During his work as System Operator Director, Jake has managed some large-scale issues such as Operation London Bridge and taking charge of the difficulties of operational and timetabling challenges brought by industrial action. Jake has also been key in supporting the preparations for Great British Railways.

The appointment comes following the present Eastern region’s Managing Director, Rob McIntosh’s move to Managing Director of the North West and Centre region alongside Ellie Burrows’ confirmation as the Southern region’s Managing Director.

Taking a temporary lead on Jake’s previous position of System Operator Director is Lawrence Bowman who is Network Strategy and Reform Director until a long-term successor is appointed via an open recruitment process.

Jake Kelly, said:

“It is such a pleasure to be joining our Eastern region as managing director and I am excited to get started and meet the team. Having spent almost five years as managing director for East Midlands Trains, the eastern region feels like home to me, so it is wonderful to be picking up the reins from Rob McIntosh. There are big shoes to fill and undoubtedly big challenges ahead. My priority will be on delivering for our Eastern regions passengers and freight customers and building on the existing positive engagement with regional stakeholders.”

“Likewise, I’ll be committed to building on the great safety record across the region and creating a positive and inclusive place to work for the thousands of colleagues across the region who do brilliant work, day in, day out.”

Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said:

“I’m very pleased to appoint Jake Kelly as regional managing director for our Eastern region. Jake’s extensive experience across the rail industry combined with his more recent familiarity with Network Rail will be invaluable as the region delivers improvements to safety, train service performance and efficiency alongside a major investment portfolio designed to boost capacity and regional connectivity.”