The Rail Industry Awards celebrate achievements across the UK rail industry, including technical projects, safety, marketing and customer service, and the success of individuals and teams who make such a difference to our fantastic industry.

The Industry Leader Award recognises the most outstanding industry leader within the UK rail sector; someone who has a level of industry statesmanship and guardianship, identifies and addresses key business and industry issues, who is able to react rapidly to changing circumstances and business objectives, and has demonstrated clear leadership within their organisation.

John has over 30 years’ experience and has a wealth of experience on a number of complex and multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects including rail. John joined VolkerFitzpatrick in 2014, having previously worked for VolkerRail, and has helped transformed the Rail and Infrastructure division into a high performing delivery business, creating an environment helping to inspire the next generation of engineers.

John was presented with this award, as the judges felt that he had demonstrated exceptional leadership during the current pandemic, both through the care he has shown for his staff and colleagues, and in his ability to display the open-mindedness needed to adapt rapidly to the pandemic, whilst continuing to deliver for customers. The judges also felt that John has shown an enterprising approach to business development, in helping VolkerFitzpatrick pivot into new areas of growth.

Commenting, John said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to organisers of this award, and also to the judges and to my colleagues for nominating me. My success is very much a result of their continued commitment in everything we do, and I’m grateful for their support over the years.

“I hope to continue in this role for many years to come, and working with my team, we will help push the boundaries in what we can do, and more importantly, make this sector a more inclusive environment, allowing us to work more effectively and attract the best talent to the industry.”