Sir John Kingman appointed first chair of Great British Railways
The government has appointed Sir John Kingman as the first chair of Great British Railways (GBR), and he will start immediately. The role includes shaping the organisation’s design, supporting the integration of train and track operations and preparing the industry for the transition.
GBR is being established through the Railways Bill, which is still progressing through Parliament. Once formally created, it is expected to become one of Britain’s largest public-sector organisations and work with rail operators and devolved transport bodies.
Kingman has held senior roles in government and business, including chairing Barclays UK and Legal & General, and leading UK Research and Innovation. The appointment follows the announcement of GBR’s planned headquarters in Derby earlier this week.
Source
- Department for Transport, 16 October 2026
