Ian Semple
Carlisle,Cumbria
Summary
Highly accomplished and strategic Rail Operations Executive with over 30 years of experience leading safety-critical control room operations across complex rail networks in both the UK and Middle East. Recognised for delivering operational excellence at a national level, with extensive experience in command and control environments, large-scale infrastructure programmes, and high-reliability organisations.
Proven leader of multidisciplinary operational teams within National Control Centres, with a strong track record of driving performance, safety, and resilience across mission-critical rail operations. Played a pivotal leadership role in the development, mobilisation, and operational transition of Etihad Rail’s multi-billion-dollar national railway, demonstrating expertise in large-scale change, operational readiness, and system integration.
Expert in incident command, crisis management, and operational risk, with a data-driven approach to root cause analysis and continuous improvement. Adept at influencing senior stakeholders, shaping operational strategy, and embedding high-performance cultures aligned to safety, accountability, and organisational values.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Duty Control Manager
Direct Rail Services
Carlisle, Cumbria
2024.08 - Current
- Provide operational leadership within a national control environment, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of freight services across the network.
- Lead real – time decision making in response to incidents, disruption, and operational risk, maintaining service continuity and safety compliance.
- Manage and support control room teams, driving high performance within a safety- critical time – pressured environment.
- Oversee incident management processes, ensuring timely escalation, communication, and resolution of operational issues.
- Identify and drive improvements in operational processes, including equipment readiness and pre departure compliance.
Duty Control Manager
Etihad Rail
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
2013.10 - 2024.06
- Provided strategic and operational leadership for the National Control Centre (NCC).
- Led high-performing multidisciplinary control room teams in a 24/7 safety-critical environment.
- Acted as senior incident commander during major operational events.
- Played key leadership role in transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 ERTMS/ETCS operations.
- Enhanced control room procedures and operational standards.
- Led investigations and root cause analysis to improve performance.
- Oversaw competency management frameworks (CMS).
- Collaborated with engineering and infrastructure teams.
- Reported to senior leadership and managed crisis escalation.
- Championed a strong safety culture.
Shift Signalling Mnager
Network Rail
Three Bridges, West Sussex
2007.06 - 2013.09
- Managed signalling Centre operations and teams, maintaining high operational standards and compliance.
- Led incident response and investigations.
- Directed operational responses to incidents and service disruption
Signaller
Network Rail
Three Bridges, West Sussex
1992.06 - 2007.06
- Controlled train movements in a safety-critical environment.
Infantry soldier
British Army
Grantham, Lincolnshire
1988.07 - 1990.08
- Responded rapidly to orders, resulting in efficient execution of planned actions.
- Maintained high level of physical fitness to meet strenuous demands of infantry training.
- Patrolled designated areas, ensuring safety and security of civilians in conflict zones.
- Took part in extensive battle drills to maintain readiness for real-world scenarios.
- Enhanced survival skills through rigorous wilderness survival training sessions.
- Performed guard duties at military installations, ensuring heightened security measures on site.
- Improved troop morale by promoting team-building and camaraderie during training exercises.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education -
Boundstone community Collage
Lancing, West Sussex 1984.09 - 1998.06
Skills
National control centre leadership and strategy
Rail and metro operations
Crisis management and incident command
Operational risk and safety leadership
Root cause analysis and improvement
Control systems and signalling expertise
Organisational change and readiness
Team leadership and talent development
Stakeholder and executive communication
Timeline
Duty Control Manager
Direct Rail Services
2024.08 - Current
Duty Control Manager
Etihad Rail
2013.10 - 2024.06
Shift Signalling Mnager
Network Rail
2007.06 - 2013.09
Signaller
Network Rail
1992.06 - 2007.06
Infantry soldier
British Army
1988.07 - 1990.08
Certificate of Higher Education -
Boundstone community Collage
1984.09 - 1998.06