Several leading figures in the rail industry have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
The Honours List celebrates the extraordinary contributions and service of people across the UK.
Network Rail’s Sharon Salmon has been made a Member of the Order of the Empire (MBE) for services to the railway and diversity and inclusion.
Sharon has committed lots of time over her 18 years at Network Rail to voluntary endeavours, helping the rail industry to become more diverse and inclusive.
Sharon was a founding member of Network Rail’s Cultural Fusion Network (CFN) in 2014. CFN is an employee network for black, Asian and minority ethnic employees, with hundreds of members.
She has since stepped down as leader of CFN but continues her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry as a trustee of Women in Rail.
Former Head of Security at Great Western Railway (GWR), Paula Durrans, has also been awarded an MBE.
Paula has been honoured in recognition of her pioneering work to make the UK rail network safer and more welcoming for passengers and staff.
Paula has helped to shape railway security in the UK, with one highlight being her role in founding the Football Rail Taskforce at a time when football supporters posed a particular challenge to fellow passengers and staff.
She said: “I’m humbled and shocked, but delighted and deeply honoured to be recognised like this. The rail industry – at train companies, Network Rail and the British Transport Police - is full of fantastic people who want to make a difference for customers and colleagues.
“I have had a fantastic career on the railway and I’m delighted we’ve been able to make such a difference together.”
Paula retired earlier this year after 16 years at GWR, during which time she managed security for several high-profile events, including the Platinum Jubilee, the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of HM King Charles III.
Shamit Gaiger, the Managing Director of West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD), has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her 22 years of service to the rail industry.
Shamit has held a variety of roles including Director of Strategy at National Skills Academy for Rail and leading the Rail Sector Deal on behalf of HM Government at the Department for Transport, before becoming Managing Director at WCPD in 2022.
She is also a non-executive director of both the Campaign for Better Transport and Women in Rail.
Shamit said: “I was completely shocked when I found out to be honest. I am very happy and flattered.
“I have worked with some wonderful people during my career and I would like to thank them for all their support across the years. This is a huge honour for me as well as my family.”
Chief Executive Officer of Women in Transport, Sonya Byers, has also been awarded with an OBE for her exceptional contributions to diversity and inclusion within the transport industry.
Women in Transport strives to advance the role of women across the transport sector, and under Sonya’s leadership has led to the implementation of initiatives to increase women’s representation and influence.
Image credit: iStock, Network Rail, Great Western Railway, Avanti West Coast
