Network Rail’s new Eastern region is the first to name its route directors

Network Rail’s devolution plans came one step further to completion as the names of the four route directors for the Eastern region were revealed.

Making the announcement, Rob McIntosh, who was himself only recently named as managing director of Network Rail’s Eastern region, said: “I am delighted that we have got a team of great balance, who I know will bring a step change in delivery of our outcomes for passengers and our freight customers.”

The new Eastern region will consist of the current Anglia and LNE & EM (London North East and East Midlands) routes. Later this year, it will be reorganised into four routes – Anglia, North and East, East Midlands and East Coast – with the intention of bringing the region closer to customers and more responsive to their needs.

Ellie Burrows will join Network Rail as route director for Anglia. Currently train services director at Southeastern, Ellie brings a wealth of industry experience as she has previously held several roles at Network Rail including that of area director for Kent.

Taking over the role of route director for North and East, Matthew Rice is no stranger to the area as he has been the LNE & EM principle strategic planner for two years, helping develop the strategy for the network. 

Matt has great experience in timetable development and will work closely with train operators across the north to deliver franchise transformation-commitments.

Route director for the East Midlands was named as Gary Walsh. A former area director for the East Midlands, he was most recently head of maintenance in the South.

Gary’s priority will be to work with Abellio to mobilise and deliver the new East Midlands Railway Alliance.

Paul Rutter will become route director for East Coast.  He has held the LNE&EM chief operating officer role for over two years having started his railway career in Anglia. 

Paul will focus on working with all ECML operators to deliver a much-needed improvement in performance and work towards delivery of the route upgrade.

Appointments to the rest of the regional executive team will follow in the coming weeks.