Dave Penney became Chief Executive Officer of Heavy Haul Rail Ltd in February 2026, having previously served as Managing Director of Heavy Haul & Rail Services within the Freightliner Group. In that role, he helped the business through the de-merger of its operating division following Freightliner’s sale to CMA CGM.

With nearly 30 years’ experience in the rail industry, Dave has held senior engineering and operational leadership roles across UK passenger and freight rail. He was Managing Director of Chiltern Railways from 2016, overseeing the successful opening of the Oxford route, delivering significant revenue growth and high customer satisfaction.

Dave later joined Network Rail as a Route Director, responsible for operational performance and major infrastructure enhancement programmes including East West Rail and the Midlands Rail Hub. He is also a voluntary safety officer for a local engineering charity.