Shane Duffy

Shane is a strategic leader, who is financially and commercially experienced in the rolling stock sector, with a strong track record of achieving successful outcomes through creative thinking and collaborative working.

A commercially focused executive with extensive leadership experience in the UK rolling stock sector, bringing a strong track record of revenue growth, strategic procurement oversight, complex negotiations and senior stakeholder engagement across both public and private sector environments.

Experience
Career foundations were built running a successful print, marketing and events business before joining Railway Projects Ltd (RPL) in 2011 as Commercial & Sales Director. At RPL, responsibility included leading new business development and overseeing the delivery of live rolling stock refurbishment and modification programmes.

In 2014, he joined Porterbrook Leasing, initially operating across both commercial and procurement functions. As Commercial Lead for the procurement of ETCS on passenger rolling stock, he worked closely with the Department for Transport, Network Rail, ROSCOs, Train Operating Companies and technology suppliers on a nationally significant programme.

Promotion to the Executive Team as Head of Supplier Management & Business Development brought responsibility for approximately £120m of annual maintenance and modification expenditure. During this period, governance was strengthened, supplier transparency enhanced, and a clearly communicated procurement pipeline established — materially improving internal alignment and supply chain relationships.

A subsequent transition into the commercial function to lead refranchising activity involved restructuring the team to anticipate operator requirements, completing rolling stock studies, pricing strategies and financial modelling in advance of franchise engagement. This proactive and transparent approach strengthened customer trust, improved bid performance and supported effective mitigation of residual value risk.

As Head of Commercial, accountability extended to all revenue streams across passenger, freight and Porterbrook’s Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre. Experience spans negotiations from straightforward supply agreements to complex multi-million-pound lease transactions and new build bids, supported by a strong understanding of funding markets and financing structures.

Recognised for strategic judgement, collaborative leadership and the ability to operate effectively at board and senior stakeholder level.