In a significant leadership change, Mike Putnam has been appointed as the acting chair of Network Rail following Lord Peter Hendy’s transition to a new role as Minister of State for Transport. Putnam, who has served as a senior non-executive director at Network Rail since 2018, brings extensive experience from the development, construction, and services sectors, including his previous position as President and CEO of Skanska UK.
As acting chair, Putnam will oversee critical operations at Network Rail, focusing on enhancing safety and performance across the UK’s railway infrastructure. His appointment comes during a pivotal time for the organization as it prepares for the establishment of Great British Railways, a new public body set to integrate and streamline rail operations in the country.
Network Rail’s Chief Executive, Andrew Haines, expressed confidence in Putnam’s ability to lead, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the board over the past six years. The search for a permanent successor to Lord Hendy will commence soon, led by the new Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh.
