Bernadette Kelly has been named as the Department for Transport’s (DfT) new director general for the Rail Executive, it has been announced.
The current director general for Business and Local Growth at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) replaces Clare Moriarty. Moriarty is leaving the role to join the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs as its new permanent secretary when Browyn Hill steps down.
Kelly – who is currently responsible for government policy on business and local and regional growth – will take up the role at the end of September.
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Commenting on her appointment, Kelly said she was “delighted” to be joining the team.
“There are clearly big challenges ahead for the rail industry in the UK and I’m looking forward to working with the sector and my team to deliver a great train service for the public and help grow the economy.”
DfT permanent secretary Philip Rutnam welcomed Kelly’s appointment, praising her “breadth and depth of experience”.
“Bernadette will bring to the department fantastic breadth and depth of experience and great expertise in creating strong partnerships. She is joining the department at a key time when what we deliver will make a huge difference to people’s lives," he said.
“She is taking a great job – it will be challenging and fast paced, but also extremely rewarding, improving daily travel and helping to create and sustain jobs and skills for the future. She will be working with a great team and building on strong foundations.”
Brian Etheridge will continue to act as interim director general until Kelly’s arrival.