New Joint Operations Director Announced for LNER and Network Rail East Coast
16/10/2025
LNER and Network Rail have announced the appointment of Gunnar Lindahl as Joint Operations Director – East Coast and LNER, a newly created role that marks a significant step forward in the integration of track and train across the East Coast route.
The role encompasses operational oversight across both Network Rail and LNER, including signallers, drivers, timetable planning, performance and control.
Gunnar Lindahl is currently Programme Director at Network Rail, where he leads the Eastern Region’s plans to improve train service performance. His appointment follows the departure of Warrick Dent, LNER Safety and Operations Director, who will soon be taking on a new role at DFTO (Department for Transport Operator Limited) as Group Operations and Performance Director. Warrick will oversee operational delivery across the expanding group of publicly-owned train operators, driving national performance improvements.
Meanwhile, Sam McDougall, Operations Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, will be joining Northern as their Operations Director.
Commenting on his new role, Gunnar Lindahl, said: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Operations across both organisations on this iconic railway. I have had the pleasure of working with teams at both LNER and Network Rail in readiness for the December 2025 timetable.
"The railway is delivered through our people and every day they are committed to bringing positive outcomes for our customers. I look forward to meeting my team and taking this to the next level towards further integration.”
Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast Route, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Gunnar who brings a wealth of industry experience. Gunnar enters this role at an opportune time as we as we continue to work closer than ever with train operators, including LNER, to improve safety and performance for our passengers.”
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Gunnar’s excellent leadership skills, operational knowledge, and track and train experience, make him ideally placed to lead our operations teams as we prepare for the transition to Great British Railways.
“This is an exciting time for Network Rail and LNER as we look forward to introducing thousands more services from this December as part of the new industry East Coast timetable, where performance and operational delivery will be key.”
Gunnar brings extensive expertise from across the rail industry, having held senior roles at both train operators and Network Rail. Prior to his current position, he served as the Operations Director for Arriva Rail London, and previously as Operations Director at Network Rail’s Wessex route. Earlier in his career, Gunnar worked as a signaller and service controller on London Underground. He is expected to begin his new role at the beginning of next year.
