Sir John Kingman was confirmed on 16 October 2026 as the first Chair of Great British Railways, the Department for Transport announced. He began his duties immediately and is expected to help shape the design of the new organisation, continue integrating train and track operations and prepare the industry for transition while the Railways Bill passes through Parliament.

The department said that once Great British Railways is formally established, Sir John would lead what it described as the third biggest public sector organisation in Britain, working with the rail industry and devolved transport bodies. It cited his previous roles, including Chair of Barclays UK PLC and former Chair of Legal and General Group PLC and Tesco Personal Finance, as well as Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury and first Chair of UK Research and Innovation.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander called the appointment a defining moment in the government's plan to put passengers first. The announcement also cited Network Rail Chair Richard George and DFTO Chair Sir Andrew Haines welcoming the appointment.