GB Railfreight Appoints Jude Winstanley as new Chief Executive Officer

GB Railfreight (GBRf), the UK’s largest rail freight operator, has today announced the appointment of Jude Winstanley as its new Chief Executive Officer. Jude will join the business on 2 November, succeeding founder and current Chief Executive Officer John Smith OBE, who will step back after more than 25 years leading the company.

Jude brings extensive experience across transport and freight infrastructure. He has held senior leadership roles at Swissport, IAG and British Airways, as well as an advisory position with Bain & Company. He joins GBRf from London Southend Airport, where, as Chief Executive Officer, he has been responsible for delivering significant passenger growth and driving operational excellence across the business.

Jude will lead GBRf through its next phase of growth, with a continued focus on delivering excellent service for customers, strengthening performance and supporting the shift of more freight from road to rail.

The appointment comes at an exciting time for GBRf. The business employs more than 1,400 people and operates a fleet of 170 locomotives and 1,800 wagons, serving customers across intermodal logistics, construction, waste, energy generation and network support sectors.

Since Infracapital’s acquisition of GBRf in 2019, approximately £140 million has been invested to support growth, modernisation and innovation across the locomotive fleet, maintenance capability and depot facilities. This includes the introduction of GBRf’s Class 99 bi-mode locomotive fleet, which will support the decarbonisation and future growth of rail freight.

Jude succeeds John Smith OBE, who has played an instrumental role in building GBRf into the UK’s largest rail freight operator, expanding its customer base and strengthening its operational capabilities. John will continue to support the business in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth leadership transition, operational continuity and leading government relations on rail reform. During the transition, John and Jude will meet colleagues, customers and key industry stakeholders from across the network.

James Cooper, Chairman – GB Railfreight said: “We are delighted to welcome Jude to GBRf. His experience across transport and freight infrastructure combined with a proven track record of leadership make him ideally placed to build on GBRf’s role in supporting the UK’s freight and transport ambitions. We thank John for his outstanding contribution to GBRf over the past 25 years and his continued commitment as he supports the business through the transition.”

Outgoing Chief Executive Officer – GBRf, John Smith OBE said; “Leading GB Railfreight has been the privilege of my career. Looking back, I am enormously proud of what our people have achieved and thankful to the customers and partners who have placed their trust in us over the years. I am leaving the business in a strong position and wish Jude every success in the years ahead. He will inherit a fantastic team and a business with a great future.”

Incoming Chief Executive Officer – GBRf, Jude Winstanley said: “GBRf has built something genuinely impressive – a business that is operationally strong, commercially ambitious and increasingly central to how the UK moves goods. I am joining at a moment when rail freight has real momentum and I am looking forward to working with colleagues, customers and industry partners to build on these strong foundations”.

Wael Elkhouly, Managing Director and Head of Asset Management at Infracapital, said: “Rail freight is of strategic importance to the UK economy, and under our ownership we have continued to grow and modernise GBRf. Against this backdrop of growth and investment, Jude’s appointment brings fresh energy and perspective at an exciting moment. We are confident Jude and his leadership team will continue to advance GBRf’s growth, innovation and strategic role in the UK’s freight network. We would like to pay tribute to John for his vision, dedication and leadership, which helped cement GBRf’s reputation in the market.”