GB Railfreight (GBRf) has announced the start of a planned leadership transition, alongside two senior promotions to support the business’s continued growth.
As the business celebrates its 25th anniversary this month, GBRf founder and Chief Executive Officer, John Smith is to step back from his role as Chief Executive Officer. As a result, and as part of its long-standing succession planning, the company and its shareholder, Infracapital, have begun the process to appoint his successor, with the transition expected to take place over the coming year. John will continue to lead the business during this period and will support a smooth handover once a successor is in place.
In addition, two senior appointments have been made:
- Liam Day has been promoted from Asset Director to Interim Managing Director.
- Ian Langton has been promoted from Production Director to Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Liam Day joined GBRf in 2014 from Network Rail. He began his career on Network Rail’s graduate management training programme before moving into rail freight. He joined GBRf as Terminal Development Manager, before progressing through roles as Head of Estates and General Manager in the commercial team, and later becoming Commercial Director in March 2020. He was appointed Asset Director in September 2024.
Ian Langton joined GBRf in April 2012 from DB Schenker, where he spent 22 years, having begun his career at British Rail. He joined the business as Head of Operations before becoming Production Director in 2018, where he leads the day-to-day delivery of GBRf’s operations.
John Smith, Chief Executive Officer of GBRf, said:
“It’s been a privilege to lead GBRf for the last 25 years. We’ve achieved things I wouldn’t have thought possible when I founded the company - and that is due to the talent, dedication and passion of the people who have worked here.
“This transition is being carefully managed over the coming year, and I remain fully committed to leading the business throughout this period. I would also like to congratulate Liam Day and Ian Langton on their well-deserved promotions. Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue to build on our success and look ahead to the next decade of growth.”
James Cooper, Chairman of GB Railfreight, said:
“On behalf of the Board, we’d like to thank John for his leadership of the business that he helped create and grow over the past 25 years from a start-up to becoming the UK’s largest rail freight operator. As GBRf builds on this extraordinary legacy, we look forward to continuing to work with John in an advisory capacity, lending his invaluable experience in supporting the company in the next phase of its development.”
