Sir Andrew Haines appointed Chair of Cranfield University Council

Image courtesy Cranfield University

Sir Andrew Haines (above) – who joined the Council on 1st August – will take up the role of Chair in November 2025. He takes over from current Chair, Pro-Chancellor Iain Ferguson CBE, who has served on Cranfield’s Council for ten years, chairing it since 2019.

Sir Andrew Haines is Chief Executive and Board Member of Network Rail, joining the company in 2018 and leading Network Rail through a transformational period. He is due to retire from Network Rail in October 2025.

Prior to this he was Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority following a wide-ranging career in the rail industry including as Managing Director of South West Trains. Sir Andrew is a Transition Team Lead for Great British Railways, helping to deliver an integrated railway in the future. Sir Andrew is also an honorary graduate of Cranfield University.

Sir Andrew said: "I know how committed Cranfield is to building the future skills that industry requires, giving graduates an exceptional learning experience and the practical knowledge they need to thrive. I’m extremely proud to be taking up the Chair of Council role and although there’s undeniable challenges in higher education, I believe there’s also incredible opportunities to build Cranfield’s educational and research activities for the future."

Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Professor Karen Holford DBE FREng said: "We are delighted that Sir Andrew has been appointed as our new Chair of Council. He is an exceptional leader with excellent industry experience and a track record in effectively steering complex organisations. I look forward to welcoming Sir Andrew into his role and working together closely to build on Cranfield’s successes."

"I also want to pay tribute to the commitment of Iain Ferguson who has been a great friend to Cranfield over decades," continued Professor Holford. “He helped to steer the University through the challenges of Covid-19 and the financial challenges facing the whole sector during his six years of distinguished service as Chair of Council. I have enjoyed working with Iain and am grateful for his time and his insights."