Rail Forum Board
Michelle Craven-Faulkner
Chair
Michelle was appointed Chair of Rail For in July 2026. In her ‘day job’ Michelle is a Partner at Shoosmiths. Previously, she joined Geldards from Nelsons following several years contracting experience with Alstom Transport covering projects across the whole of the UK. Michelle has experience across all aspects of rail having been involved with supporting the manufacturing, renovation, service and parts supply functions, together with West Coast Mainline, Northern & Jubilee Line and Light Rail Projects.
Rail Forum Executive Directors
Ben Ackroyd
Chief Operating Officer, Porterbrook
Blake Richmond
Chief Executive Officer, Resonate
Chris Marlow
Public Affairs Director, Alstom UK&I
Chris Swan
Head of Rail at Tarmac
David Brookes
Head of Sales and Business Development, Grinsty Rail Ltd
David Taylor
Managing Director at Datum Composites
Michael Grace
Strategic Development Director, TXM Consult
Nick Andrew
Executive Director
Shane Duffy
Director, Enigma Seven
Rail Forum Stakeholder Members of the Board
Andy Shaw
Unite the Union
Cllr Martyn Ford
Derbyshire County Council
Emma Knight
Director of External Communications & Engagement | Network Rail
Rupert Brennan Brown
Director, Rail Positive Relations
Rail Forum Non-Exec Advisors
Rt Hon Lord Patrick McLoughlin CH
Rail Forum Honorary Patron
Patrick McLoughlin was the Member of Parliament for Derbyshire Dales 1986 – 2019.
He has considerable experience in local and national politics. Before becoming an MP, Patrick was a member of Cannock Chase District Council between 1980 and 1987 and of Staffordshire County Council from 1981 to 1987.
Positions held include Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Transport (1989 – 1992), Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Employment (1992 – 1993), Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Trade and Industry (1993 – 1994), Government Chief Whip (2010-2012), Secretary of State for Transport (2012 – 2016), Chairman of the Conservative Party and Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster (2016 – 2018), amongst many other roles.