British Railways: Chief Executive (Railways): Registered Files

The McKinsey Report of March 1969 recommended that a position of Chief Executive (Railways) be formed to be given the full profit accountability and executive authority for the management of British Rail and the development of future plans for the British Railways Board's review and approval. The position was to be held as a dual role by the deputy chairman of the board and was in place by June 1969; the first holder being W G Thorpe. His command was via executive directors of which there were five.

The dual role existed until July 1971 when the office was transferred to David Bowick who was not a member of the board. In January 1977 Mr Bowick became one of the two vice chairmen of the Board and he brought his title Chief Executive (Railways) with him. He was re-designated Vice Chairman (Rail) in June 1978 and I M Campbell (already a board member) became the Chief Executive (Railways). Board member R B (later Sir Robert) Reid took over the position in February 1980 and kept the title when he was appointed chairman of the board in September 1983. On the appointment of Sir Bob Reid (the successor to Sir Robert and not the same person) as chairman in January 1990, J K Welsby joined the board as Chief Executive (Railways) and, although he was chairman he still held the title.