The new rail-led development company Platform4 has made two key leadership appointments in advance of the new organisation formally launching later this year.
Robin Dobson (pictured), who was formerly group property director of Network Rail, has been appointed as chief executive officer of Platform4, and Peter Hawthorne, who led London and Continental Railways (LCR) for more than five years, is to take on the role of strategic projects director.
In July, the government announced plans to merge LCR and Network Rail’s property team to create the new development company, which will be tasked with delivering up to 40,000 new homes over the coming decade on surplus railway land.
The government has appointed Bek Seeley, who previously led Lendlease’s development business in Europe and now works in various roles supporting complex regeneration projects across the UK, as chair of Platform4.
Seeley said: “Platform4 is a fresh approach to development and regeneration, building on Network Rail Property Development and LCR’s success whilst engaging with communities and the rail network. Strong leadership with such substantial experience is vital for meeting our challenges and opportunities, and I look forward to working alongside Robin and Peter, whose combined expertise and vision will be invaluable as we launch this new direction.”
Dobson added: “The opportunity to lead Platform4 as a new national property company is a huge privilege. The new business will combine the strength of both LCR and Network Rail’s development team, to deliver a national pipeline of projects that drive regional growth and deliver lasting regeneration across the rail estate.”
Hawthorne said: “As Platform4 embarks on this new chapter, I am committed to fostering meaningful relationships with key public sector partners. By drawing on the strengths of our wider team and our collaborative ethos, we will deliver transformative projects for local communities.”
