Westlake to take Network Rail CFO post

FORMER Alstom finance chief Jeremy Westlake will take the reins at Network Rail next week as incumbent Patrick Butcher moves on to take the CFO post at Go Ahead Group in March.

Westlake has previously held various finance posts at the Rolls-Royce Group between 1999 and 2013 before his three years at Alstom in France.

Butcher – whom Financial Director interviewed in 2014 – has been in place at Network Rail since 2009, having previously had stints at English, Welsh & Scottish Railways and London Underground.

Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne said: “As a taxpayer-funded organisation, we have a responsibility to deliver a railway that is not only safe and reliable but also efficient. Our chief financial officer has a vital role to play to make sure that Network Rail provides the best possible value to all our customers and that we have the plans and funding in place to deliver the railway Britain needs for the future.

“Jeremy brings with him significant leadership experience from the transport and engineering sectors, including a strong focus on driving continuous improvement, reducing costs and maximising efficiency. I would like to welcome him to Network Rail and know that he will continue Patrick’s excellent work as we deliver a bigger, better railway for Britain.”