I am nominating Pete for this Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of both his long-standing contribution to the rail industry and the impact he has had on developing people within it. Pete has over 40 years’ experience across rail and integrated transport in the UK and internationally. His career has covered heavy rail, light rail, London Underground and high-speed systems, with senior roles spanning programme leadership, engineering assurance and multi-disciplinary design delivery. He has contributed to major infrastructure programmes including Crewe Hub, HS2 and the Haramain High-Speed Rail project, working across the full asset lifecycle. When I started in the rail industry, Pete was a mentor to me and played a direct role in my early development. He gave me the opportunity to work on major projects early in my career and involved me in IDC meetings from the outset. That exposure meant I gained a level of experience and understanding that would normally take much longer to build. 

I would like to nominate Aneesh for his exceptional leadership and dedication in coordinating the Irish Rail Graduate Engineer Programme over the past five years. His commitment has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous graduates, many of whom have successfully transitioned into permanent roles across various departments within SET. Under his guidance, the programme has consistently delivered high-quality technical training, hands-on experience, and meaningful professional development opportunities. Aneesh has created an environment that supports learning, encourages growth, and ensures that graduates are well-equipped to contribute effectively to the organisation. Personally, my experience in the programme has contributed immensely to my technical learning and career progression. Aneesh’s support, structure, and vision have made a lasting impact, not only on my development but also on the success of the programme as a whole. His dedication, leadership, and sustained contribution make him a highly deserving candidate for this award.