Paul Smith appointed as ORR Chief Executive Officer

29 September 2026

The Office of Rail and Road has today appointed Paul Smith as its Chief Executive Officer, following a public competition.

Paul is a highly experienced regulatory leader whose career spans the UK's aviation, energy and payments sectors, as well as senior regulatory roles in Australia.

He comes to ORR from Fingleton, the strategic regulatory and competition advisory firm, which he joined in 2024 from the Civil Aviation Authority.

He was at the CAA for six years, where he was a board member, Director of the Consumers and Markets group, and joint interim CEO. He led the economic regulation of major airports, the CAA’s consumer protection team, and was part of the executive team responsible for aviation safety and security.

Paul was formerly Chief Executive of the Australian Energy Market Commission, where he worked closely with government ministers and companies across Australia and developed significant regulatory changes for Australia’s energy markets.

He has also been Head of Policy and Regulatory Strategy at the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) where he led market reviews and policy initiatives to make the payments sector more focused on consumer needs.

ORR Chair, Declan Collier, said:

“Paul is an outstanding appointment for ORR. He has an impressive track record of leading regulatory organisations and shaping policy in sectors that are critical to the economy and to the public.

“His experience, judgement and collaborative leadership style make him exceptionally well placed to lead ORR at a time of significant change and opportunity across the rail and road sectors.

“Paul joins us at a pivotal time for ORR and the wider transport sector, as we continue to support rail reform and take on important new responsibilities in relation to England's strategic road network. His experience will be invaluable as we deliver for passengers, road users, industry and taxpayers.

"I'd also like to thank Feras Alshaker for his excellent continuing leadership as Interim Chief Executive, and I know he and Paul will ensure a smooth and well-supported transition."

Paul Smith said:

“I thank the Board for its confidence in me and am excited to be taking up this role especially at such an interesting time of change for ORR.

“ORR's people are highly respected across the transport and regulatory sectors, and its work has an impact on millions of passengers, road users and businesses every day. I am excited to join the organisation to further this work and help ORR play its full role in rail reform, in the effective oversight of England's strategic roads, and in continuing ORR’s current transformation journey.

“I am looking forward to meeting colleagues across the organisation and the many stakeholders engaged with ORR’s work. I am keen to listen, learn and collaborate to help ORR deliver its important public service mission.”

Notes to Editors

The Office of Rail and Road is the independent economic and safety regulator for Britain’s railways, with additional regulatory powers to hold National Highways to account.
ORR is poised to take on new responsibilities in relation to the Lower Thames Crossing under the Highways (Financing Bill) currently before Parliament, extending its role in overseeing England's strategic road network.
Paul Smith was appointed following a fair and open competition, run in line with the recruitment principles set out and overseen by the Civil Service Commission and ORR's own recruitment policies. All appointments to ORR's roles are made on merit.
Paul will assume office on 4 January 2027. Until then Feras Alshaker will continue as Interim Chief Executive of ORR.