GBR Anglia, which brings together the leadership of c2c, Greater Anglia, and Network Rail Anglia under a single, unified structure, has announced the appointment of Alice Shimali as its new communications director.
Alice’s appointment represents another significant step in GBR Anglia’s transition towards Great British Railways and follows the completion of the latest recruitment round for the Senior Leadership Team. Alice took up her new role on 3 August.
Alice, who has spent 10 years in the rail industry, will lead the integrated railway’s communications function, bringing together internal communications, media, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and customer engagement into a single, joined up approach.
She will be accountable for protecting and enhancing reputation, supporting business priorities, and ensuring clear, consistent communication across a complex and evolving Anglia railway — including the transition to Great British Railways (GBR).
Before being appointed communications director at GBR Anglia, Alice served as head of communications at c2c Railway from 2022-2026, where she led major communications programmes, strengthened stakeholder relationships — with organisations including Essex Chambers of Commerce, local Councils and councillors, Southend United, and various local charity and community partners — and delivered award winning colleague engagement initiatives.
Prior to this, Alice spent five years at Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), serving latterly as senior public relations manager.
Rob Mullen, chief customer and commercial officer at GBR Anglia, said: “Alice brings a strong track record of delivering effective communications campaigns and colleague engagement programmes, building trusted relationships, and supporting strategic objectives across the sector.
“Our communications function will play a central ambassadorial role in ensuring GBR Anglia – and our transition to Great British Railways – is a genuine success, and I look forward to working with Alice and her wider communications team as we move forward in this exciting new era for the railway.”
Alice added: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be appointed communications director at GBR Anglia at what is a pivotal moment for Anglia and the wider rail industry.
“Our move towards Great British Railways represents a once in a generation opportunity to reshape how we communicate, collaborate and serve the communities we proudly support and serve every day.
“I am excited to build on the strong foundations already in place, strengthening and enhancing our relationships with colleagues, customers, partners and stakeholders across the Anglia route.”
Image credit: GBR Anglia
