Jeremy Westlake
Chief Executive of Network Rail
Jeremy Westlake’s route to the top of Network Rail was not built around a neat, fixed career plan. In conversation with Nina Lockwood, he reflects on a career that has taken him through finance, consulting, manufacturing, aviation and rail, with international experience across several countries, cultures and business environments.
That breadth of experience sits at the heart of the conversation. Jeremy talks about the value of staying open to unexpected opportunities, the risk of being too tightly wedded to one career path, and why moving sideways can be just as important as moving upwards. His advice is practical and grounded: look for learning opportunities, broaden your experience, build visibility beyond your immediate circle, and leave room for career serendipity.
The episode also looks at what leadership now needs to mean for UK rail. Nina and Jeremy discuss the cultural shift required as the industry goes through major reform, including the need for better collaboration, stronger learning cultures and a more joined-up approach across the railway. When asked about the impact he hopes to have as Chief Executive of Network Rail, Jeremy does not focus on personal legacy. Instead, he talks about enabling others to carry the torch and creating the conditions for people to move the industry forward with confidence, support and ambition.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- Why you shouldn’t manage your career too tightly
- The value of moving around, not just moving up
- Why the best leaders are learners first
- How culture and collaboration are becoming competitive advantages in UK rail
- Why visibility, reflection and curiosity matter at every stage of your career
- What Jeremy hopes to enable as Chief Executive of Network Rail
About Jeremy Westlake
Jeremy Westlake is Chief Executive of Network Rail. His career spans finance, manufacturing, aviation and rail, with international experience across Europe, the Middle East, the US and beyond. Before becoming Chief Executive, Jeremy held senior leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer at Network Rail, where his remit covered commercial strategy, property development, innovation and private finance.
With a background shaped by safety-critical industries, engineering, global business and major infrastructure, Jeremy brings a broad perspective to one of the most significant periods of reform in the UK rail industry.
