GB Railfreight announces leadership transition and senior promotions

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has today announced the start of a planned leadership transition, alongside two senior promotions to support the business’s continued growth.

As the business celebrates its 25^th anniversary this month, GBRf shareholder and Chief Executive Officer John Smith have begun the process to appoint his successor, with the transition expected to take place over the coming year. He will continue to lead the business during this period and will support a smooth handover once a successor is in place.

In addition, two senior appointments have been made:

• Liam Day has been promoted from Asset Director to Interim Managing Director
• Ian Langton has been promoted from Production Director to Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Liam Day joined GBRf in 2014 from Network Rail. He began his career on Network Rail’s graduate management training programme before moving into rail freight. He joined GBRf as Terminal Development Manager, before progressing through roles as Head of Estates and General Manager in the commercial team, and later becoming Commercial Director in March 2020. He was appointed Asset Director in September 2024.

Ian Langton joined GBRf in April 2012 from DB Schenker, where he spent 22 years, having begun his career at British Rail. He joined the business as Head of Operations before becoming Production Director in 2018, where he leads the day-to-day delivery of GBRf’s operations.

John Smith, Chief Executive Officer of GBRf, said: “GB Railfreight is in an exceptionally strong position, having this year become the UK’s largest rail freight operator, with our industry-first hybrid Class 99 locomotives entering service, helping to future-proof the business for many years to come. As we approach our 25th anniversary, this is a natural time to begin planning for the future of the business.

“This transition is being carefully managed over the coming year, and I remain fully committed to leading the business throughout this period. I would also like to congratulate Liam Day and Ian Langton on their well-deserved promotions. Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue to build on our success and look ahead to the next decade of growth.”

James Cooper, Chairman of GB Railfreight, said “This is a significant moment for GB Railfreight. Having led the business since its founding 25 years ago, John Smith has been instrumental in its growth from a start-up to the UK’s largest rail freight operator.

“As GBRf looks to the future, John’s experience will be invaluable in supporting the next phase of the company’s development and ensuring the full potential of the business and its people is realised.”