Two new non-executive directors have been appointed to the Network Rail Board – David Higgins and Graham Eccles.

David Higgins is a civil engineer and project manager. He is currently the chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, while former roles include chief executive of English Partnerships (2003-2005), and chief executive of Lend Lease (1995-2002).

Graham Eccles is a career railway manager with almost 45 years of operating, managing and directing Britain’s railway. His career includes:

• deputy chairman of London Midland;
• former chairman of the South East strategic health authority (2006-2009);
• board member of Stagecoach Group plc, chairman and managing director of South West Trains and co-chairman of Virgin Rail Group Ltd

A current non-executive director, Chris Green, has also announced that he will not be standing for re-election at the company’s AGM in July.