Last chairman of BR appointed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Welsby, British Rail's chief executive, has been appointed as the last chairman of BR. He will take up the post on 1 April when the current chairman, Sir Bob Reid, retires.
Mr Welsby's promotion to the £180,000 post was widely expected. The new chairman's main job will be to oversee the sale of about 100 businesses, ranging from the 25 train operating companies and 13 engineering and maintenance companies to an occupational therapy unit and a specialist signalling design company.
Mr Welsby, 56, has been BR's chief executive since 1990; he joined BR in 1979. Although he has co-operated with the Government's privatisation plans, Mr Welsby is not a supporter of privatisation or of the restructuring of the industry in preparation for privatisation, in particular its split into the train operating companies and Railtrack. Mr Welsby had overseen the previous "organisation for quality" re-organisation which had been widely regarded as a success in making BR Europe's most efficient railway.
Mr Welsby has been appointed as chairman until 25 May 1998, his 60th birthday. By then, if the Tories win the next election, there will be virtually no BR left.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments