The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has appointed John Larkinson, currently Director of Railway Markets and Economics, as Interim Chief Executive with immediate effect following an internal competition.
This follows the departure of Joanna Whittington, who is leaving ORR on 5 October to take up the position of Director General, Energy and Security at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). An open competition for the role of Chief Executive will be advertised in due course.
Stephen Glaister, ORR Chair said:
"I thank Joanna for her accomplished leadership over nearly three years and wish her all the best success in the future.
"I am pleased to welcome John as the Interim Chief Executive. He has a wealth of rail knowledge and experience and is well equipped to deliver the role to the high standard we have all come to expect."
Notes to editors
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- John Larkinson biography
John is currently director of railway markets and economics and has been an executive member of the ORR board since March 2017. He previously held a number of senior roles at ORR, including Director of Planning and Performance and Director of Economic Regulation. He joined ORR from the Strategic Rail Authority where his final role was as Director Network Regulation & Affordability.
He is an economist by background and has held a range of transport related posts in central government and consultancy.
In his current role, John is responsible for the 2018 Periodic Review of Network Rail, ORR’s consumer role, decisions on track and station access and industry financial analysis. He also leads on policy issues for Scotland and Wales.
John lives in Cambridge and is married with two sons.