Alex Hynes has been named as the new Chief Executive of the Department for Transport Operator Limited (DFTO), the government body overseeing the transition of train operators into public ownership.

Mr Hynes will take up the role on 23 December 2025, replacing Robin Gisby whose fixed-term contract is ending. The appointment comes as DFTO prepares to manage additional operators moving into public ownership ahead of the planned establishment of Great British Railways. 

He brings extensive rail industry experience, having held senior positions at ScotRail and Network Rail Scotland between 2017 and 2024. Previously, he served as Managing Director of Northern until its transfer into public ownership in 2020, achieving record customer satisfaction scores.

Alex Hynes, currently Director General of Rail Services at the Department for Transport, said: "It's a privilege to be joining DFTO at such a pivotal moment. I look forward to working with so many talented colleagues from across the publicly owned train operating companies, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and the wider rail industry."

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Alex Hynes's appointment will build on the achievements so far of smoothly bringing operators into public ownership and I'm confident that will continue going forward."

To date, half of rail operators are in public ownership following Greater Anglia's transfer in October 2025.