Putnam steps up at Network Rail to replace Hendy

Network Rail’s senior non-executive director Mike Putnam is now acting chair, taking over from Lord Peter Hendy, who has been appointed a Transport Minister in the new Government.

Putnam joined the Board of Network Rail in 2018 and has over 25 years’ experience across the development, construction and services sectors. He was president and chief executive officer of Skanska UK plc until May 2017, and is a chartered engineer and a fellow of both the Institution of Civil Engineers and Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Andrew Haines, Network Rail Chief Executive, said: “Mike has been an invaluable member of our Board for over six years and his immense experience will continue to be a huge asset to the Board, to me and to the company.”

Putnam said: “Peter’s are big shoes to fill as I help to push Network Rail forward to address its key priorities of running a safe and better performing railway, whilst helping Andrew to get the company, and the whole industry ready, for its journey into a new chapter with the establishment of Great British Railways.”