UK: 500+ applicants for Network Rail CEO

[John Ashworth]

Network Rail's 500 cut to three

By Mark Leftly
Independent
Sunday, 26 September 2010

More than 500 people applied to be chief executive of Network Rail, according to a memo sent to the voting members of Britain's rail infrastructure group.

The government-backed operator has more than 70 public members, who in effect act as shareholders to approve appointments and Network Rail's strategic direction.

The company could select a chief executive to replace the incumbent, Iain Coucher, next week, though the memo suggests it could be in early October. Around 80 people were considered serious candidates and the chairman, Rick Haythornthwaite, is now considering the final three.

Mr Haythornthwaite has stipulated that the new boss should have run a company that has a minimum £1bn turnover with international reach. It is thought that the preferred candidate is not British and has an oil & gas background.

Another expectation is that the new boss will review the management structure of the business soon after he or she starts.

[John Ashworth]

Olympic chief heads to Network Rail

By Robert Wright and Roger Blitz
Financial Times
Published: September 28 2010 23:12

The man who has overseen construction work for the 2012 Olympic Games is to become the new head of the company that runs the UK’s rail network, as Network Rail seeks to draw on experience from outside the rail industry.

David Higgins, chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, will take over at Network Rail on February 1, leaving a three-month gap after Iain Coucher leaves the company at the end of October...