Company Overview
In 2018, the Department for Transport created the East West Railway Company - our Company - to look at plans being developed for a new railway between Oxford and Cambridge.
The original plans were developed by the Department for Transport, Network Rail and the East West Rail Alliance.
Our job is to consider and challenge these plans with fresh thinking. To do that, we are now responsible for planning the section of East West Rail between Bletchley and Cambridge, while overseeing delivery of the section between Bicester and Bletchley – which is being delivered by the East West Rail Alliance.
What sets us apart

Creating new connections
Not just laying down steel and concrete, we're focused on designing a railway that is most likely to create connections between local communities

Rooted in community
The views of the community the railway serves are central to our decision-making process

Environment at the forefront
We are exploring options for advancing low carbon design and green energy to power our trains

A unified goal - from planning through to operations
Every decision we make is informed by a single, unified goal to deliver the best service for our passengers and our communities.
Our team
We were founded on a range of values which we work to breathe into our project and our company culture - being open, bold, trusted, focusing on our customers and having fun - we’re incredibly proud of the people who make our company what it is.
With decades of valuable and varied industry experience, we know how to spot the best talent and are a group of around 350 skilled and motivated experts who are dedicated to delivering East West Rail.
Meet our Senior Leadership Team below.

Beth West - Chief Executive Officer
Beth joins after a period of consulting, having previously been the Regional South Managing Director at Balfour Beatty where she had responsibility for a wide array of civil engineering and building projects. Beth has a rich knowledge of the transport sector, strong commercial acumen, and a long track record in driving construction innovation. Her previous positions include being Commercial Director for HS2; Head of Development for Landsec; and spending nine years in several roles at Transport for London.

Will Gallagher - Strategy Director

Chris Morgan - Head of Health, Safety & Security
Chris joined EWR Co as Head of Health, Safety and Security at the beginning of 2022. Previously, Chris has worked in similar roles across a number of industries, with his most recent being at Mace as Operations Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing for the last five years. Chris is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation and is chartered in both Occupational Health & Safety and Quality.

Ian Parker - Programme Delivery Director

Simon Scott - Engineering Director
Simon joined EWR Co as Engineering Director in June 2020 ; he previously developed future transport systems at Virgin Hyperloop One and the Digital Railway Programme at Network Rail; recently he led the development of privately financed transport systems for KBR.

Margarita Ziborova - Head of People & Culture

Roland George - General Counsel and Company Secretary
Roland joined us as General Counsel and Company Secretary in 2020 after undertaking similar roles within the water industry. He has legal experience across a range of diverse areas, including construction, new energy and corporate finance.

Rachel Elson - Customer Service Director
The East West Railway Company Board
The East West Railway Company (EWR Co) Board is responsible for establishing appropriate corporate policies and scrutinising major decisions, whilst holding EWR Co Management and EWR Co’s CEO to account. The membership of the Board is:
Chair:
- Neil Sachdev MBE
Non-Executive Director Members:
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Simon Murray
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Dyan Crowther
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Anne Baldock
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Lynette Ryals
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Joanna Whittington
- Chris Morgan
Executive Member:
- Simon Blanchflower CBE
Department for Transport Observer:
-
Cavendish Elithorn
Key Corporate Documents
- Document
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2018-19 Annual Report
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2019-20 Annual Report
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2020-21 Annual Report
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2020-21 Annual Report: Financial Statements Data
Project Delivery
We are delivering East West Rail in partnership with a range of stakeholders - who vary depending on the area of the route. Learn more about who are partners are, and how they're helping us deliver East West Rail.
Learn moreCareers at East West Railway Company
At East West Railway Company, we’re changing the way rail projects are delivered. We’re hiring talented, creative problem-solvers, bringing together a talented team with diverse experiences, backgrounds and skills. Sound interesting?
Learn more