Railtrack corporate affairs director Philip Dewhurst is planning to
leave the stations and track operator at the end of the year.
It is understood that Railtrack has just begun the search for Dewhurst’s
successor. He has spent nearly five years at Railtrack, and took the
decision to leave before the Paddington disaster.
Dewhurst said: ’I’ve dealt with every PR issue imaginable in that space
of time. I want to do something new while I’ve still got some
energy.’
He will stay in post until the end of the year to manage the aftermath
of Paddington and finish his term as IPR president. He plans to return
to consultancy, and wants to offer strategic advice within an agency or
as a self-employed practitioner. ’Another in-house job would be boring
after this one,’ he said.
During his time at Railtrack, Dewhurst has seen the company through its
privatisation, and worked under two chairmen, two CEOs and two
secretaries of state.
He oversees a team of 30, which includes investor relations and
shareholder communications practices which he set up from scratch.
Dewhurst’s replacement will be responsible for internal communications,
public affairs, relations with the City, the press office and corporate
PR.
Railtrack retains a number of PR agencies including Rowland, Millbank
PR, Brunswick, Camargue for property PR, Domino for marketing
communications and Bell Pottinger for public affairs.
