GB Railfreight names Jude Winstanley as new CEO

GB Railfreight, one of the largest operators in the UK, has appointed Jude Winstanley as CEO, succeeding founder John Smith who will step back after more than 25 years leading the company. Winstanley’s position will be effective as of 2 November. Smith will continue to support the business in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition, operational continuity and to lead government relations on rail reform.

Winstanley was CEO of London Southend Airport from December 2020 until September this year, and has held senior leadership roles at Swissport, IAG and British Airways, as well as an advisory position with Bain & Co in 2020-24. He was interim Managing Director Wastewater at Southern Water in 2024.

‘His experience across transport and freight infrastructure combined with a proven track record of leadership make him ideally placed to build on GBRf’s role in supporting the UK’s freight and transport ambitions’, said GBRf Chairman James Cooper on October 28.

Infracapital-owned GBRf is now the UK’s largest rail freight operator, serving customers across intermodal logistics, construction, waste, energy generation and network support. It has a fleet of 170 locomotives and 1 800 wagons and employing more than 1 400 people.

This story was originally published by RailFreight.com. Read the full story at RailFreight.com →