As we prepare for Great British Railways becoming operational, Great British Rail Replacement (GBRR), part of CMAC Group, has brought together a team of rail experts to support Train Operating Companies (TOCs).
GBRR was established to facilitate comprehensive managed rail replacement transport. GBRR combines extensive rail industry knowledge with CMAC’s alternative transport capability.
Meet the team here.
Ashley Seed
CMAC Chief Commercial Officer and GBBR Executive Sponsor
Ashley has risen through the ranks at CMAC, including a period as an Account Manager supporting TOCs directly. Having worked closely with many customers throughout his career, he now leads the teams responsible for developing and managing client relationships.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
Building high-performing teams that deliver successful outcomes – whether that's developing solutions for clients to ensure we deliver when they need us most or helping colleagues understand the impact they make every day. I get great satisfaction from enabling people to succeed. Seeing teams come together to solve problems, support customers, and deliver exceptional results is what motivates me.
Ian Jeffrey
Director of GBRR and Rail Business
Ian has worked in the rail industry since 1978, when he started at British Rail, and joined CMAC in 2024.
He has played a vital role in the creation of GBRR, developing the rail replacement proposition. He manages the rail team and oversees the strategy and execution of all rail-related business.
What value do you think GBRR will deliver?
A very strong rail team and quality rail replacement and taxi services. We will also demonstrate adaptability to a changing rail market.
Joe Guy
CMAC Head of Bid
Joe has worked in the transport industry for around 10 years. His experience spans vehicle rental, passenger transport, business development, and now bids and commercial strategy.
Can you give us a brief explanation of your role?
I lead CMAC’s Group-wide bid function and have overall responsibility for how we identify, qualify, and respond to strategic tender opportunities.
Within rail, I work particularly closely with our GBRR, partnerships, operations, supply, technology, and commercial teams. My role is effectively to bring all those different elements together into one coherent proposition that responds to what the individual train operator is trying to achieve.
Shakil Akbar
Rail Replacement Manager (North), GBRR
Shakil has been in rail since 1998 and joined the growing GBRR team to help expand and strengthen rail replacement services across the UK.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I enjoy that no two days are ever the same. I also enjoy working collaboratively with customers, suppliers, and colleagues to solve complex operational challenges.
Delivering solutions that make a real difference to passengers during disruption and being part of a highly experienced team committed to innovation and service excellence is also hugely important to me.
Jason Bridge
Coordination Manager, GBRR
Jason has spent 26 years in rail replacement, working for nationally recognised brands. He joined CMAC in 2025.
Can you give us a brief explanation of your role?
I focus on training and recruitment of the Coordination Team. I also oversee ground operations. I value working as part of a team to deliver the best service possible.
Phil Sutton
Senior Rail Business Manager
Phil has over 32 years’ experience in the travel and transport industry, having started his career at Heathrow Airport. In that time, he’s worked with leading global brands and developed extensive experience in customer relationship management, commercial growth, and operational delivery.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
Working with a fantastic team that genuinely supports each other and collaborates to solve challenges. I also learn something new every day and explore areas that interest me.
I also enjoy building strong relationships with customers and colleagues across the wider business and knowing that the work we do helps passengers complete their journeys during disruption.
Jacqui Ashman
Rail Business Manager
Jacqui has over 30 years’ experience across customer service, operations, and transport, having spent more than a decade specialising in rail replacement and disruption management.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
Working with a fantastic team that comes together to solve complex operational challenges, as well as supporting passengers and customers when they need us most.
I also enjoy building positive relationships with rail partners and helping to deliver successful outcomes during disruption.
It's great knowing that our work helps keep people moving when rail services are affected.
Andrew Baker
Rail Business Manager
Andrew has over 25 years’ experience across transport and logistics. He has built valuable experience in customer service, operational management, and delivering solutions in fast-paced environments.
What value do you think GBRR will deliver?
GBRR brings together an unrivalled level of rail industry knowledge, experience and expertise. Our team understands the challenges train operators face because we work closely with them every day. By combining this industry insight with CMAC's market-leading alternative ground transport solutions, we are uniquely positioned to deliver innovative, reliable, and passenger-focused services.
Most importantly, GBRR is built on a strong team ethos, bringing together talented people who are passionate about supporting the rail industry and helping our customers deliver the best possible experience for their passengers.
Ali Ahmed
Rail Business Executive
Ali joined CMAC in 2019, starting in the Operations team and progressing through a number of operational and leadership roles. He has largely worked within the Rail business, supporting TOCs during both planned activity and major disruption.
Can you give us a brief explanation of your role?
I help manage and develop CMAC's relationships with our rail clients. My role involves understanding each client's operation, contractual requirements, and performance expectations, while working closely with our internal Operations and Supply teams to ensure we deliver the right service.
A key part of my role is identifying opportunities to improve the service we provide and supporting the continued growth of our rail partnerships.
Want to learn more about how GBRR can support your rail replacement requirements?
Speak to an expert to find out more about our rail replacement services.