The Future of Rail: Connecting regions through sustainable rail networks

Alexandra Batey

Alexandra Batey is a Director at the Nichols Group and a recognised leader in complex programme delivery and project sponsorship. Previously, she served as Phase 2b Development Director at HS2 Ltd, where she was responsible for shaping and managing the development and early lifecycle delivery of future high-speed rail lines. With over 20 years of experience at Transport for London (TfL), Alexandra held senior roles including Director of Investment Delivery Planning, Crossrail Joint Sponsor, and Head of Public Transport Sponsorship.  A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Alexandra combines technical expertise with strategic vision. She is also deeply committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders.

Mark Wild

Mark Wild, OBE, FREng, is the Chief Executive Officer of HS2 Ltd - leading the delivery of Britain’s new high-speed railway.

Stretching over 140 miles between London and the West Midlands, HS2 will better connect Britain’s two biggest cities, increase rail capacity and boost economic growth. HS2 is at peak construction, with around 33,000 people working on the project.

Mark joined HS2 in December 2024 and is focused on resetting Britain’s biggest construction programme.  He has more than 35 years of global infrastructure leadership experience, and joined HS2 from SGN, where he was responsible for one of the UK’s largest gas distribution networks.

As CEO of Crossrail from 2018 to 2022, Mark led a recovery of the £20bn programme to deliver one of the world’s most advanced high-frequency passenger rail services – the Elizabeth Line.  

The majority of his career has been in transportation infrastructure, including as MD of Westinghouse Signals, CEO of Public Transport Victoria, and MD of London Underground. Importantly, Mark puts safety and sustainability at the heart of his ethos, and is passionate about helping to develop the industry.

A proud Northeasterner who grew up in Durham, Mark is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and holds both a first-class engineering degree and an MBA from Leeds University.

David Hughes

David joined EWR from Arup where he supported and accelerated the firm’s delivery of national infrastructure and strategic programmes.  Prior to that he was with the DfT where he was accountable for leadership and oversight of DfT’s portfolio of major rail investment projects.  As Director of Investment & Delivery Planning at TfL, David has also held senior leadership roles on projects including Crossrail, the Northern Line Extension and Tube upgrades.

Joanne Griffiths

Jo Griffiths was appointed TRU Programme Director in 2024. With over 25 years of rail experience, Jo brings her knowledge of major railway programmes, including integration and certification of The Greater West Programme, and driving Network Rail’s System Engineering capability. Since joining the programme in 2022, Jo has made significant contributions to the TRU through her senior leadership roles on the West Alliance and main programme team, where she previously oversaw programme integration.  Jo is passionate about the power of successful teams and proud to be on a project offering major economic benefits in a part of the world she calls home, having grown up and been educated in the North West.

Sanjeev Gupta

Sanjeev has a M. Tech in Civil Engineering from Mumbai University and BE in Civil Engineering.

He has over 30 Years diversified experience in engineering, design and execution of large and complex projects.

Specialisation: Design, project management, and execution strategy.

Active member of key professional bodies and standards committees.

• Member of Indian Geotechnical Society (Mumbai Chapter & Main Body).
• Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India).
• Member of ISRMTT.
• IS Code Committee (CED 43 – Soil & Foundation Engineering).

Work History: Konkan Railway Project, NHSRCL, Ropeway, Agra Metro, large infrastructures.