11. Mike Mitchell, Director General, DFT National Networks

DfT’s rail troubleshoote

As Director General of the Department for Transport’s Rail Group, Dr Mike Mitchell is the chief railway advisor to ministers and provides leadership to the industry. His Rail Group sets the strategy for the railway and awards and manages rail franchises.

It was Mitchell’s knowledge of the passenger transport industry and reputation as a cost-cutter that got him the job. His career began in 1970 as a graduate trainee with British Rail but switched to the bus business as Operations...