Sir Andrew Haines, CEO of Network Rail - merged historic posts, for continuity / clarity

[whole diary]

[Super Guard]

I read about these changes a couple of weeks ago, and it also said that Andrew Haines would be off for a bit longer, so I don't think this is anything long-term.

[Ollie]

Yeah SDA it is just whilst he is away.

[smithy]

if rumour is to be believed then mr haines has had a nervous breakdown and is not going to be returning to FGW^▸ (First Great Western),the same source also said his replacement is from scotrail although i cannot remember her name.

as i said just depot rumour so watch this space i suppose

[Super Guard]

I also have heard this rumour today, although no idea how reliable the source is.

[Timmer]

if rumour is to be believed then mr haines has had a nervous breakdown and is not going to be returning to FGW^▸ (First Great Western),the same source also said his replacement is from scotrail although i cannot remember her name.

as i said just depot rumour so watch this space i suppose

Recent reports say that Mary Grant has taken over from Andrew Haines as head of First's rail division for the time being.

[Ollie]

Ollie doesn't like this kind of speculation about somebodies well being, I just don't think it's appropriate to put rumours on a public forum like this, we already seen how the press use this forum and get it all wrong.

My view is I hope whatever is wrong he is on the mend, because he's a decent guy, and we (fgw) need him back.

For the record, Mary Grant is Acting MD of First UK^▸ (United Kingdom) Rail and Mark Hopwood is Acting MD of FGW^▸ (First Great Western)

[John R]

I agree with Ollie, in that I think posting speculation about the cause of Andrew Haines' absence is inappropriate, even if such rumours are doing the rounds within FGW^▸ (First Great Western).

And like other posters I wish him well and hope he makes a full recovery. He has made such a difference to FGW that I do hope he is well enough to return at some point. 

[Btline]

Perhaps this thread should be moved to the frequent posters' club, so that the Joe Bloggs person can't view it.

Nevertheless, I would also like to add "Get well soon" as he has done well.

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thank you to Ollie, John R and Btline for your comments: I agree, and this topic has been moved accordingly.

Chris.

[grahame]

Chris - thanks for moving this.   Yes - it was a good idea to move it to the "Frequent Poster's Club" where it can only be read by folks who have reached a certain minimum number of posts.

And, here in "the Club", I'll comment that I have heard a somewhat different background as to why Andrew's not at his post at present ... so "unconfirmed rumour" is very much the best thing to say for the moment (unless of course one rumour's substance has caused the other rumour's effect)

[devon_metro]

Heard hes returned. Cannot confirm.

[Ollie]

I earlier reported on my blog that Andrew Haines will be leaving the company, that is both First GW^▸ (Great Western) and First UK^▸ (United Kingdom) Rail.

May I take the opportunity here to wish him well in the future.

http://iworkforfgw.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=153

[Ollie]

I have posted this in the Who's Who bit, but just to confirm in this thread that Andrew will be leaving First Group.

[Tim]

Thanks Andrew for your efforts at FGW^▸ (First Great Western).  You leave the company in a much better state than when you joined and for should be proud of that

[IndustryInsider]

Indeed. Huge improvements in the year or so he was in charge. Can't help but think he's left before fully completing the transformation though, and wonder whether his recent sickness has caused this decision as it does seem a bit odd?

Still, it was always the intention to hand over the reins to Mark Hopwood, who's no stranger to being top-dog having performed similar roles at c2c amongst others. Mark's a clever chap - having worked quite closely with him during his early career at Thames Trains in the mid-90's, I can certainly vouch for his determination and abilities. It will be a testing time for him though as filling Andrew's boots will be no mean feat.