Following Sir Andrew Haines’ announcement of his forthcoming retirement as CEO of Network Rail in October 2025CIRO extends our deepest gratitude for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to operational excellence. Throughout his time with Network Rail, Sir Andrew has been a staunch advocate for the rail operations profession and a strong supporter of CIRO’s mission to advance excellence in railway operations.

Earlier this year, CIRO CEO Phil Sherratt had the honour of interviewing Sir Andrew before an audience of rail professionals at the Golden Whistle Awards. During the session, Sir Andrew reiterated his belief in cross-industry collaboration, particularly as the railway sector navigates ongoing government reforms.

Sir Andrew’s commitment to operational excellence was also evident in his keynote address at the 2019 Golden Whistle Awards, his first as Network Rail CEO, titled The Central Importance of the Operating Function. He emphasised that “operations should be at the heart of decision-making,” reinforcing that railway efficiency and reliability depend on a strong operational foundation.

A passionate advocate for professional development, Sir Andrew championed structured training and continuous learning to cultivate the next generation of railway leaders. He stressed that “we cannot afford to see operational expertise as a given—we must invest in it, nurture it, and ensure that the skills of our people evolve alongside the industry.” This aligns closely with CIRO’s dedication to education, training, and best practice sharing.

Sir Andrew also recognised CIRO’s role as “an essential organisation that champions operational expertise and upholds the highest standards of professionalism.” His endorsement has strengthened the importance of operational excellence across the industry.

Under his leadership, Network Rail fostered strong collaboration with industry partners, notably during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His commitment to maintaining open communication and supporting the supply chain was widely acknowledged, earning him a special award from the Railway Industry Association in 2020 for outstanding leadership.

CIRO extends its deepest gratitude to Sir Andrew Haines for his service and dedication. His leadership has elevated operational standards and reinforced a culture of collaboration across the railway sector.

Phil Sherratt, CEO of CIRO, commented:

“Sir Andrew has been the most dedicated public servant, navigating our industry through immense challenge and change. On behalf of the operating community, I thank him for his invaluable contributions—not only to the wider railway but specifically to promoting operations as a profession.

“When he joined Network Rail, Sir Andrew prioritised rebuilding operational capability and creating a railway with world class operations. Under his leadership, CIRO and Network Rail have forged a stronger relationship, leading to increased membership and greater participation in CIRO programmes. His personal involvement in developing a CIRO programme for Network Rail operations graduates is a testament to his commitment to professional development.

“The recognition of operations as a core function, from the top down, is now firmly established. This is crucial as we move towards the integrated system under Great British Railways. As Sir Andrew prepares for retirement, I extend my heartfelt thanks for his support and advocacy for CIRO’s mission.”

CIRO remains committed to building on the strong foundation Sir Andrew has helped establish, championing operational excellence and collaboration across the railway industry.