Regulator appoints new director of railway markets and economics

Ms Whittington will join ORR from 3 March 2014 and will be responsible for ORR's longer term economic regulatory role as well as more immediate work on planning for the next funding period and the review of access charges including incentives to maximise the efficient use of capacity on the rail network. As an economic consultant specialising in transport, she is well acquainted with the rail industry and has also served as ORR's director of economics and finance leading on the first periodic review in 1998. She subsequently joined the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) in 1999.

In her most recent role as partner in the markets division at Ofgem, she was responsible for regulation of the wholesale gas and electricity markets. Since joining Ofgem in 1999, Ms Whittington has held a number of senior posts including director of information and incentives project and Europe, and director of strategy. She has also spearheaded many vital projects to improve information and reporting standards of the industry as well as significant legislative changes.

ORR Chair Anna Walker said:

Joanna will be a welcome and complementary addition to the ORR board strengthening it with her rich knowledge and expertise of the markets and regulation. We very much look forward to working with her to help grow and improve Britain's railways.

ORR chief executive Richard Price said:

No stranger to the world of railways or regulation, Joanna will be a great addition and asset to our team, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise to build on the work we have done so far. We are looking forward to her joining us at this important time and strengthening our economic work – leading us into the planning for the next periodic review.

Notes to editors

1. Under the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003, appointments to the ORR Board are made by the Secretary of State for Transport. ORR is asking the Secretary of State to appoint Joanna to the Board with effect from March 2014.
2. Joanna Whittington takes over the role director of railway markets and economics from Cathryn Ross who moved on from ORR late last year.