Two heads are better than one, they say. So Rail Freight Group (RFG) has drawn on the services of two heads of industry for their board. RFG has appointed industry consultant Ralph Goldney to its Board and confirmed the re-appointment of long-standing member Richard Hastings, further broadening its strategic insight and sector expertise. Both appointments were formally confirmed at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting on 12 November, held this year at the new Northampton Gateway Terminal.
Rail Freight Group, which represents the interests of the sector throughout the UK, took the opportunity to gather its membership at Northampton to see the future of the sector in the shape of the facilities there. It also welcomed board members Ralph Goldney and Richard Hastings. Goldney, of Railfreight Consulting, joins the Board for the first time, while Hastings, Head of Logistics at Nestlé UK & Ireland, continues his service following a successful re-election. Between them, the pair bring decades of technical, commercial and operational experience to the UK’s leading rail freight representative body.
Deep industry experience
Goldney has worked in rail freight for 18 years, beginning with his role supporting GB Railfreight during mobilisation for its Metronet contract. Since founding Railfreight Consulting, he has delivered major projects for RSSB and Network Rail, covering areas such as locomotive tractive effort, simplified signalling approaches and the development of End of Train devices. Trained as an engineer, he is known for combining technical depth with commercial understanding.
Speaking after his election, Goldney said: “The RFG has always felt like my professional home, and I’m honoured to be able to give something back. I look forward to supporting Maggie and the team, championing the benefits of rail freight, and helping strengthen our industry however I can.”
Sustainability leadership at Nestlé
Hastings brings more than 40 years of logistics experience, including 33 at Nestlé, where he leads a 260-strong transport and warehousing team. He has been instrumental in delivering Nestlé’s sustainability transition, overseeing the shift of all warehouse operations to renewable energy, replacing diesel with low-carbon fuels, and encouraging greater use of rail. His work has included innovative solutions to overcome loading-gauge constraints, enabling a significant and sustained modal shift.
“I’m delighted to have been re-elected to the RFG Board,” he said. “As Nestlé continues to move more of its traffic to rail, having a close relationship with the RFG is a major enabler of us realising our modal shift ambitions.” Hastings makes his statement as the sector faces challenging times, not least the British economic circumstances, which are placing pressure on growth and sustainability. venues like the new Northampton Gateway Terminal, where the RFG held their AGM, represent the cutting edge of progress for the sector.
Strengthening the sector’s voice
Maggie Simpson OBE, RFG Director General, welcomed both appointments: “We’re delighted to welcome Ralph to the Board and to confirm Richard’s re-appointment. They each bring a great deal of experience, expertise and new perspectives on the rail freight sector. Their insights will be invaluable as we continue to make the case for rail freight growth.”
Rail Freight Group represents the interests of the UK’s rail freight sector, with members spanning operators, logistics providers, ports, equipment suppliers, property developers and major freight customers. The organisation’s mission is to increase the volume of goods moved by rail and to promote the environmental, economic and network benefits of rail freight across the country.