Network Rail unveils new interim boss for its Digital Railway programme

Stuart Calvert will be the man responsible for leading Network Rail’s digital transformation programme after David Waboso retires next month.

Responsible for boosting the use of digital signalling and train control technologies through the Digital Railway Programme, Waboso has been the man at the helm of ensuring Network Rail embraces and adopts new technology to drive more efficiency.

But just short of two years in the post, it was announced he would be stepping down last month and it can now be revealed that Network Rail’s director of Programme Technical Services and Supply Chain Stuart Calvert will be Waboso’s successor.

Speaking to Infrastructure Intelligence, the organisation say Calvert has been asked to lead Group Digital Railway (GDR) on an interim basis.

A Network Rail spokesperson added: “As well as ensuring continuity in the delivery of GDR activities, Stuart will oversee the changes that affect the way GDR is organised as a result of the 100-day review outcomes.”

Calvert will be overseeing changes that include:

• Asset Information Services (AIS) moving to Route Services
• Digital Railway Programme (DRP) moving to Network Services, which will be established later this year
• Elements of Network Rail Telecom (NRT) being devolved to Routes, with other parts moving to Network Services

The new interim boss joined the Digital Railway team in September 2016 to lead the ECI programme working closely with the supply chain. He started his career as an engineering sponsored student with British Rail before specialising in project management and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Structural Engineering and a Masters degree in project management.

He has over 30 years experience in major rail and infrastructure projects throughout the UK and Europe working as a client, contractor, consultant and manufacturer having held senior executive roles with Railtrack, Bombardier Transportation and Jacobs Engineering.

Recently he has been managing director of an SME specialising in the design and manufacture of safety critical products used in rail and other specialist engineering industries.