The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has announced the appointment of Chris Burchell as its new Chair.

Burchell will begin his new role on 01 January 2026, following his current position as Managing Director of SSEN Distribution at SSE plc.

Burchell currently serves as the Managing Director of SSEN Distribution at SSE plc

© Rail Safety and Standards Board

Having first begun his career in the railway industry; Burchell progressed from Area Production Manager at Railtrack in the late 1990s to senior leadership roles including Managing Director of Southern Railway and later Arriva UK Trains.

Chris Burchell said:

I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair at RSSB. This is a pivotal moment for our industry as it enters a new phase of change and all the opportunities that brings. We need to embrace it across all aspects of the system —economic, technological, cultural, and operational—to help navigate the sector towards a stronger, resilient future.

My focus at RSSB will be on helping the rail industry deliver practical improvements that matter to colleagues and customers: safer, more reliable services that earn trust and support sustainable growth.

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