Northern railway appoints new chief operating officer

Warrick Dent will step into the role at Northern next month, replacing Matt Rice who is leaving the rail industry for a new challenge.

Mr Dent, who lives in Collingham, West Yorkshire, joins from the Department for Transport Operator (DFTO), where he is group operations and performance director.

Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “Warrick brings an exceptional track record of delivering improved operational performance and leading complex change across the rail industry.

“His experience at both operator and system level will be invaluable as we continue to improve reliability, strengthen our day-to-day delivery and build a railway that works better for our customers.

“I’m delighted to welcome him to Northern and look forward to working closely with him as we continue our journey of improvement.”

Before DFTO, Mr Dent was safety and operations director at London North Eastern Railway (LNER), where he led the introduction of the Azuma fleet and was instrumental in the East Coast Upgrade.

He also played a key role in the rollout of the East Coast Main Line timetable for December 2025.

Earlier in his career, Mr Dent held several senior positions at Network Rail, including area director for the North East in York.

Alex Hynes, chief executive at DFTO, said: “I am delighted for Warrick and wish him every success in his new role as Northern’s chief operating officer.

“Warrick has provided excellent leadership and made a fantastic contribution during his time at DFTO, and I’m confident that he will make a real positive impact at Northern at what is a critical time for the business.”

Mr Dent said: “I cannot wait to get started at Northern and support the business at such an exciting time.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Tricia and the wider team.

“Northern is a brilliant operator and I’m really looking forward to joining them on their journey.”

He lives with his wife and teenage twin sons.

Northern operates 2,650 train services a day across more than 500 stations in the North of England.