With 2025 now halfway through it feels like we’re racing towards the end of the year. That means the biggest event in the calendar is almost upon us. But forget about Christmas and New Year – prepare yourselves for the RailStaff Awards!

On Thursday 27 November, the rail industry’s finest will come together at Birmingham’s NEC to honour the incredible people who keep our railway moving. But while the spotlight will be firmly on these exceptional individuals, it’s only right that we also recognise a few other players.

Without further ado, we proudly introduce your host and independent judges for the RailStaff Awards 2025…

Your host for the evening

This year, broadcaster, journalist, and former politician Michael Portillo will guide guests through the evening’s celebrations. Known for his warmth, wit, and unmistakable style, Michael brings a wealth of experience fromthe highest echelons of government and the world of television.

Michael rose to prominence as a cabinet minister, serving in a range of high-profile government roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Since stepping away from politics, he has built a successful broadcasting career, most notably as the host of a string of acclaimed railway documentaries including Great British Railway Journeys, Great Continental Railway Journeys, and Great American Railroad Journeys. His love affair with trains started when he owned a clockwork train set in his youth.

Beyond the tracks, Michael has fronted programmes on history, politics, and culture, and is a regular contributor to political discussion shows. His signature colourful jackets and engaging storytelling have earned him fans across the generations. With his passion for rail travel and natural charisma, Michael is the perfect host for this year’s RailStaff Awards.

This year’s Independent judges

The RailStaff Awards celebrate talent from every corner of the industry, with individuals at all levels eligible for nomination across its 20 award categories. Choosing the winners is no easy feat, and the responsibility rests with our panel of Independent and Category judges.

Carefully selected from across the sector, our independent judges include:

Chris Leech – Founder & Board Member, Rebuilding Futures Alliance

Chris Leech MBE is an award-winning social value impact and youth crime mitigation consultant. Known for his expertise in building strong commercial relationships, Chris is an experienced non-exec-director who firmly believes that the prosperity of business and society are intrinsically linked.

Ellie Burrows – Managing Director, Southern Region, Network Rail

Ellie has over 25 years of experience in the UK rail industry, working in a variety of route and regional roles within Network Rail and Southeastern. An experienced senior leader, she has led several business improvement programmes both for Network Rail and across the industry, including supporting the introduction of the Elizabeth Line.

James Holmes – Rail Sector Director, Amey

James’ career spans over 20 years, managing large teams and businesses in the transport, water, and energy sectors. He leads passionately on safety, embedding a progressive people and safety culture. James believes in creating environments where everyone is recognised for their achievements, enabling them to prosper professionally and personally.

Joe Parkes – Business Design and Organisation Director, West Coast Partnership Development

Before joining WCPD, Joe held several senior HR leadership positions within the logistics, manufacturing, and engineering industries, including chief people officer at ERIKS UK & Ireland and people director of NRS Healthcare. He is chairman and a non-executive director for a Multi-Academy Trust of Schools and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.

Kirsty Derry – HR Director, Network Rail

Kirsty has 30 years’ experience in UK and global businesses. She joined the rail sector in 2015 and joined Network Rail in 2021. Kirsty has led the strategic transformation of industrial relations to deliver significant business benefits and is supporting the industry’s transition to Great British Railways.

Marianna Busuttil – Rail Person of the Year 2024

A driver manager for GTR Southern, Marianna was the recipient of last year’s Rail Person of the Year Award. Marianna exemplifies dedication, compassion, and leadership in her role. She is a pivotal figure, particularly for new trainee drivers. Not only does she ensure they are fully supported throughout their training but also fosters a welcoming and encouraging environment.

Matt Atkins – Editor, RailStaff

Matt has worked in journalism and publishing for over 17 years. In that time, he’s managed, edited, and written for numerous trade publications covering industries as diverse as finance, shipping, recruitment, and rail. He joined Rail Media in 2021.

Monica Barbosa – Client Service Director, RSS Infrastructure

Monica has worked in the transportation sector for over 15 years, joining the railway industry in 2018. She has played a vital role in the rail supply community, actively promoting SMEs and apprenticeships. At RSS Infrastructure, Monica is instrumental in building and maintaining long-term client relationships, supporting business operations teams across the UK.

Nina Atwal – Head of Social Value, Alstom

During her career in rail, Nina has managed the CSR and Social Value commitments on the UK’s biggest train build and services contracts including the Elizabeth Line, London Overground, and more recently the HS2 Project. Nina works across Alstom’s UK and Ireland business identifying and delivering successful CSR and Social Value work.

Phil Hibberd – Group Head of Safety, Security & Sustainability at Transport UK

Starting his career as an apprentice engineer with British Rail, Phil’s 30-year career has seen him complete the management programme with English Welsh & Scottish Railways (now DB Cargo) and work for RSSB, where he helped shape the strategies of numerous organisations. In 2024 he joined Transport UK Group, providing leadership in risk management and sustainable development.

Suzanne Donnelly – Customer and Revenue Growth Director, GBRTT

With 20 years’ rail experience in various commercial roles, and 11 years prior in the airline sector, Suzanne brings a wealth of expertise in the development of customer focussed, commercially viable and competitive commercial strategies, as well as products to grow customer volumes, frequency, and spend, and drive modal shift from less green modes of air and car.

Tom Lydon – Head of Public Affairs, GWR

Tom has been head of public affairs at GWR since February 2025, having first joined the business in 2019. He is responsible for GWR’s stakeholder engagement across the entirety of its network from Cornwall to Carmarthenshire, working with government, MPs, councillors, and community groups to demonstrate the value of rail.

Join the celebration

As the big event approaches, there’s still time to secure your ticket or nominate a Rail Staff Superstar – but why wait? We’d hate for you to miss out. See you in November!