NETWORK RAIL has announced the appointment of two new non-executive directors, Lawrie Haynes and Janis Kong.

Lawrie Haynes is a successful chairman and chief executive, and Janis Kong has much experience of operating businesses where customer relationships have been critical.

Network Rail chairman Rick Haythornthwaite said: “I believe that the current cadre of non-executive directors has done an excellent job supporting and counselling the executive management team in the journey from bringing Railtrack out of administration to a functioning, capable railway that is operating at record levels of safety, punctuality, reliability and capacity.

“Today we face new challenges and opportunities and the composition of the board must reflect that. The appointment of these highly-experienced and capable individuals give Network Rail renewed corporate oversight. This will be vital as we continue our job to deliver a high-performing, bigger and better railway."

Present directors Ian Buchan and Yvonne Constance will stand down from the board between now and the AGM in July.

Commenting on Ian and Yvonne's forthcoming departure Mr Haythornthwaite said: "Ian and Yvonne will leave with our great appreciation for their strong counsel and contribution to the company during challenging years and our thanks for the selfless manner in which that have applied themselves to the Board reshaping process."