news

DfT appoints new Director General of the Rail Executive

Posted: 30 July 2015 | | No comments yet

The Department for Transport has announced the appointment of Bernadette Kelly as Director General of the Rail Executive. Bernadette Kelly, current Director General for Business and Local Growth at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), will join the DfT in early September. Kelly has been responsible for government policy towards business sectors including […]

Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Global Railway Review

The Department for Transport has announced the appointment of Bernadette Kelly as Director General of the Rail Executive.

Katie Sadler, Digital Content Producer, Global Railway Review

Bernadette Kelly, current Director General for Business and Local Growth at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), will join the DfT in early September. Kelly has been responsible for government policy towards business sectors including advanced manufacturing and services as well as local and regional growth. Previous to her appointment, Kelly spent numerous years working with businesses and the interests of consumers alongside a strong focus on the economy.

According to the Department for Transport the Rail Executive is a ‘single, integrated body established to take Britain’s railway into the future, and to put passengers at the heart of the journey.’ The body has been given £16bn of government funding to drive development.

The new Director General will start her new role with a period of induction, including time spent out and about with the rail industry.

DfT’s Permanent Secretary Philip Rutnam said: Bernadette will bring to the department fantastic breadth and depth of experience and great expertise in creating strong partnerships. She is joining the department at a key time when what we deliver will make a huge difference to people’s lives. She is taking a great job – it will be challenging and fast paced, but also extremely rewarding, improving daily travel and helping to create and sustain jobs and skills for the future. She will be working with a great team and building on strong foundations.

Commenting on her appointment Bernadette Kelly said: I’m delighted to be joining DfT to lead the Rail Executive. There are clearly big challenges ahead for the rail industry in the UK and I’m looking forward to working with the sector and my team to deliver a great train service for the public and help grow the economy.

Bernadette Kelly will take over from Clare Moriarty who was recently appointed Permanent Secretary at Defra. In the interim, Brian Etheridge will continue to act as Director General.

Related organisations