GB Railfreight appoints Jude Winstanley as CEO

GB Railfreight (GBRf), the largest rail freight operator in the United Kingdom, has announced the appointment of Jude Winstanley as its new Chief Executive Officer. Winstanley is scheduled to join the company on 2 November.

Winstanley succeeds founder John Smith OBE, who is stepping down after more than 25 years of leadership. Smith will remain with the company in an advisory capacity to assist with the leadership transition and manage government relations regarding rail reform.

Winstanley joins GBRf from London Southend Airport, where he served as CEO. His professional background includes senior leadership roles at Swissport, IAG, and British Airways, as well as an advisory role with Bain & Company. His mandate will focus on driving growth, improving performance, and supporting the transition of freight from road to rail.

Since being acquired by Infracapital in 2019, GBRf has seen approximately £140 million in investment directed toward fleet modernization, maintenance, and depot facilities, including the introduction of Class 99 bi-mode locomotives.