Rail Delivery Group appoints Dan Mann and Ola Ogun as co-CEOs

Following the departure of current Chief Executive Jacqueline Starr, who will be leaving her role in October 2026, Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has announced the appointment of Dan Mann and Ola Ogun as co-CEOs. 

The announcement marks an important step in RDG’s journey towards GBR in 2027. By providing consistent leadership throughout the transition, they will help guide the organisation through change while maintaining focus on making the railway simpler to understand and easier to use.  

Together, Dan and Ola’s complementary expertise brings extensive operational, financial and organisational leadership experience as well as a deep understanding of RDG, its members and the wider rail industry. Their leadership will help ensure momentum is maintained as GBR comes together as one railway, connecting us and getting the country moving together. 

Having previously served as Director of Industry Operations, Dan began his railway career on Railtrack’s graduate programme in 2001. He went on to work in operational management roles across Railtrack, Network Rail and train operating companies before joining RDG in 2012, becoming a member of the Executive Team in 2022. During his tenure, he has helped lead major industry-wide programmes including the establishment of the Network Performance Board and the award-winning Traincrew Programme while championing skills, workforce diversity and new pathways into rail careers. 

Since joining RDG in 2018, over the past eight years Ola has held a series of senior leadership roles, including CFO, and Chief Financial and Operating Officer. With responsibility for the settlement of more than £11 billion of rail revenue each year, alongside oversight of major industry programmes, technology, people, procurement, legal and governance functions, he has played a key role in modernising RDG's internal operations and financial performance. His career experience includes a focus on customer outcomes, sustainability and innovation.  

Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: 

“It is a privilege to be appointed co-CEO of RDG alongside Ola. Rail has been at the heart of my career for more than 25 years and I remain as passionate as ever about the role it plays connecting people and places, supporting communities and contributing to Britain’s economy. 

“RDG has an important role to play in getting the railway working more as one, supporting our members and putting customers at the heart of everything we do. Ola and I bring different but complementary experience and we share a strong commitment to partnership, accountability and excellence. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the industry as we build on our strengths and help shape the railway’s journey into Great British Railways.” 

Ola Ogun, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: 

“I am delighted to be taking on this role with Dan. During my time at RDG, I have seen first-hand the expertise, commitment and collaborative spirit of our colleagues and the value the organisation brings to its members and the wider rail industry. 

“This is a significant period of change for the industry as we look to bring track, trains and stations together – but it is also an opportunity to continue building a customer-focused railway. Dan and I are aligned in our ambition to provide clear, inclusive and effective leadership, maintain a strong focus on delivery and ensure RDG continues to support the rail industry through its next chapter.” 

Since taking on their new roles, Dan Mann and Ola Ogun have been working closely with outgoing Chief Executive Jacqueline Starr, helping to ensure continuity for RDG's employees, members and delivery partners.