Mike Brown CBE MVO appointed RSSB chair
The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has appointed Mike Brown CBE MVO as the new Chair of the Board. The appointment took effect from 23 June 2022.
Mike Brown, the former Commissioner of Transport for London (TfL), led the capital’s transport network to dramatic improvements in safety, service reliability, and financial efficiency.
While at TfL, Mike was responsible for the successful delivery of Underground and mainline rail for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
He delivered a multi-billion pound investment programme on London’s roads, rail, Underground and cycling network, including the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Under his leadership, London saw major station upgrades and line extensions, including on the Northern Line, as well as the introduction of digital signalling and new fleets on large parts of the Tube and TfL rail network. Mike also oversaw modernisation of buses in London with cleaner, greener vehicles being rolled out.
When TfL took over direct responsibility for Crossrail, Mike set the project on the path to deliver the new railway, now open as the Elizabeth line. Mike also led TfL’s early response to the Covid pandemic.
Since 2020 Mike has been chair of the Delivery Authority for the restoration and renewal of the Houses of Parliament. He is a former chair of the National Skills Academy for Rail, and the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce.
Mike has been recognised with a CBE for his services to public transport and was appointed as Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) by Her Late Majesty The Queen in 2002.
He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. He has an honorary Doctorate from the Queen’s University of Belfast.
On taking up his appointment, Mike said:
“I am delighted to be appointed as the new chair of the RSSB Board. Britain’s railways are at a very exciting point in their history. I know that RSSB wants to support the whole industry in the transition ahead, and to help deliver a safe and sustainable future. I am very much looking forward to working with Mark, the RSSB team and other rail industry leaders to contribute to the future strategy of both the organisation and the sector overall.”
Senior Independent Director, Geoff Spencer said:
“The Board is delighted Mike is joining the organisation as chair at such an important time as the industry transitions to a new structure with the creation of Great British Railways. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Barbara Moorhouse for the Board leadership she has provided, particularly during the period of the pandemic.”
RSSB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Phillips said:
“Mike brings a huge amount of experience and Knowledge to the board and will help ensure RSSB is fully prepared for the new industry structure. I very much look forward to working with him. I would like to thank Barbara Moorhouse who stepped down as chair in May for the support and guidance she has provided over the last three and a half years.”
For more information contact the RSSB press office by calling 020 3142 5653, or email pressoffice@rssb.co.uk.
Mike Brown photograph - download
About RSSB
RSSB provides research, analysis, and insight to help the industry work together to deliver a better, safer railway.
As a membership-based rail industry body, RSSB includes train and freight operating companies, infrastructure managers, contractors, rolling stock leasing companies and suppliers. Our work involves partnerships with academia and other railways across the world.
For more information, go to www.rssb.co.uk
About the role of Chair in the governance of RSSB
The chair is responsible for presiding over the Board, with the support of the Company Secretariat. The Board is responsible for the effective oversight of RSSB as a company. It also agrees the strategic direction and governance structure that will help achieve RSSB’s long term success and deliver value to organisations who have a stake in what we do. The Board takes the lead in areas such as strategy, financial policy and making sure we maintain a sound system of internal control.
The Board comprises representation from each of the RSSB member categories as industry non-executive directors, in addition to RSSB’s executive directors, and non-industry non-executive directors.
Find out more about the Board.