INTRODUCING OUR SENIOR NETWORK LEADS: PART 2
In the first instalment of this series, we introduced Andy Ward and Tom Dobson as two of the trailblazers stepping into the newly created senior network lead (SNL) roles. These positions were designed to strengthen strategic oversight and enhance operational delivery within our Control team.
In part two, we’re excited to spotlight the remaining three SNLs: Dan Vandyke, Steffan Murray and Philip Sargent. Each brings a unique blend of experience, passion, and vision to their roles, and together, they form a strong foundation for driving the future success of our operations.
Dan Vandyke, SNL
Dan Vandyke, SNL
Dan’s journey with the railway dates back to 2000 when he joined the Control team as a controller at Silverlink Trains, which later transitioned into LOROL and then the London Overground we know today. With over two decades of experience navigating the railway’s transformation, Dan brings a deep understanding of operations and a strong commitment to supporting the team.
"From the early days of Silverlink to today’s high-performing, customer-focused operation, I’ve seen how far we’ve come. I take pride in the part I’ve played in that progress – especially in mentoring colleagues, supporting major operational changes, and helping to keep services moving under pressure."
Dan sees the SNL role as an opportunity to elevate how operations are managed strategically, enabling the team to navigate a busy railway while focusing on long-term performance improvements.
Steffan Murray, SNL
Steffan Murray, SNL
Steffan’s impressive career journey began in the armed forces, where he sharpened his leadership and decision-making skills through successful overseas deployments. His railway career began in signals and telecommunications at Network Rail, progressing through roles in Basingstoke and Eastleigh before joining Basingstoke ROC, where he had several roles: first as flight engineer, then infrastructure controller, incident controller and subject matter expert (incident management).
Most recently, as a network delivery manager, he led a high-performing team and managed major incidents, building the expertise he now brings to his SNL role at ARL.
"I look forward to the challenges of incidents, particularly stranded trains and service recovery, and how I can influence and galvanise both the control room and stations, ensuring customers receive the best possible experience."
As part of the founding group of SNLs, Steffan is motivated to drive positive change and tackle challenges that will shape the future success of this new position.
Philip Sargent, SNL
Philip Sargent, SNL
And our last SNL to introduce is a familiar face, Philip Sargent, Philip’s career spans station management at Greater Anglia followed by a TUPE transfer into LOROL as a customer experience manager. He later progressed to managing the CEX resourcing team. More recently, Philip has been seconded to project-manage the control transformation project. With a diverse background across customer experience and operational roles, he steps into the SNL role with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
"I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work collaboratively across the industry to drive improvements for the benefit of the customer in terms of safe operational responses and the best information provision."
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