Northern appoints DFTO executive as new Chief Operating Officer

Warrick is currently Group Operations and Performance Director at Department for Transport Operator (DFTO), and is set to join the train operator in May.

He will succeed Matt Rice, the current Chief Operating Officer, who is set to move on to a new challenge outside of the rail sector.

Prior to his role at DFTO, Warrick was Safety & Operations Director at London North Eastern Railway (LNER), where he led the delivery of services from 2018. During his time at LNER, he oversaw the operational introduction of the 65-train Azuma fleet, played a key role in the East Coast Upgrade, and most recently led the successful rollout of the December 2025 East Coast Main Line timetable.

Earlier in his career, he held a number of senior roles at Network Rail, including Area Director for the North East, based in York, alongside positions in London and Swindon. He joined Virgin Trains East Coast in 2015 before moving into LNER in 2018.

Tricia Williams, Managing Director for Northern, said: “Warrick brings an exceptional track record of delivering improved operational performance and leading complex change across the rail industry. His experience at both operator and system level will be invaluable as we continue to improve reliability, strengthen our day-to-day delivery and build a railway that works better for our customers.

“I’m delighted to welcome him to Northern and look forward to working closely with him as we continue our journey of improvement.”

Alex Hynes, Chief Executive at DFTO said: “I am delighted for Warrick and wish him every success in his new role as Northern’s Chief Operating Officer.

"Warrick has provided excellent leadership and made a fantastic contribution during his time at DFTO, and I’m confident that he will make a real positive impact at Northern at what is a critical time for the business.”

Commenting on his appointment, Warrick Dent said: “I cannot wait to get started at Northern and support the business at such an exciting time.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Tricia and the wider team. Northern is a brilliant operator and I’m really looking forward to joining them on their journey."

Warrick lives in Collingham, West Yorkshire with his wife and their teenage twin boys.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.