Joanna has acted as interim CEO since January 2016 and had previously been ORR’s Director of Railway Markets and Economics, as well as a member of the ORR Board.
ORR Chair, Stephen Glaister said:
"A number of excellent candidates applied for the CEO role and the panel selected Joanna following a thorough and rigorous process.
"The Board very much looks forward to continuing to work with Joanna. She is an outstanding leader, with a strong track record of disciplined execution.
"Her deep knowledge of regulation and her experience of the transport industry make her an excellent choice, as ORR progresses the next cycles of regulation and oversight of the rail (PR18) and strategic road (RIS2) industries."
Joanna Whittington said:
"It has been a privilege to lead ORR as interim CEO over the last year and I am delighted to be continuing in the role.
"ORR’s responsibilities are wide ranging, seeking improvements in safety, value and performance. I am proud to be leading an organisation in which I know everyone also shares my determination to protect the interests of rail and road users, now and in the future."
Notes to editors
- Joanna Whittington was appointed as interim Chief Executive of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in January 2016.
- Since March 2014, she had been ORR’s Director of Railway Markets and Economics, as well as a member of the ORR Board. She had responsibility for ORR's economic regulatory role, including leading initial planning for the 2019–2024 funding period.
- Joanna worked at ORR the first time from 1995 to 1999, including as Director of Economics and Finance. In 1999 she joined Ofgem where she was responsible for regulation of the GB wholesale gas and electricity markets and held a number of senior posts, including Director of Gas Distribution.
- Joanna trained as an economist. After graduating from Oxford University she worked as an economic consultant, specialising in transport, and completed her Masters in Transport Planning and Management in 1993.
- The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the UK’s rail regulator and highways monitor for England. ORR protects the interests of rail and road users; improving the safety, value and performance of railways and roads, today and in the future. Follow us @railandroad.