John was confirmed as Chief Executive at the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in March 2021, having held the interim position since October 2018. 

He has more than 20 years' experience working within the rail industry, working as Director of Network Regulation & Affordability at the Strategic Rail Authority before joining ORR in 2005. 

John's previous roles at ORR include Director of Railway Markets & Economics and Director of Planning & Performance. 

As Chief Executive, he leads ORR in its role to protect the interests of rail and road users. This remit includes: 

• railway health and safety; 
• holding Network Rail to account; 
• ORR's consumer protection functions; 
• ensuring fair access to the rail network; 
• industry financial analysis and publishing rail statistics; and 
• monitoring the efficiency and performance of National Highways.

John is an executive member of the board.