Network Rail has begun a search for a new non-executive director with specific significant railway experience in light of Graham Eccles’ decision to stand-down at the company’s AGM in July.

Graham joined the Board in July 2010 bringing with him vast railway experience – almost 45 years of operating, managing and directing Britain’s railway. Graham has decided to take up a new chairmanship role with the TXM Group and is therefore regretfully stepping down from the Network Rail Board.

Richard Parry-Jones, chairman, said: ”We are very grateful to Graham for contributing his invaluable and exceptionally deep railway experience for the last three years at Network Rail. His leadership of our remuneration committee has transformed our process, not least because of his obvious sincerity and grounded, no-nonsense approach. We are sorry to lose him but we all wish him well in his new role. The search for his successor who will need to have significant railway experience to help us deliver the challenges that lie ahead has already begun.”

Graham’s other duties on the Board - chair of the remuneration committee - will be assumed by the company’s public interest director, Michael O’Higgins.