North Yorkshire Moors Railway appoints new Chief Executive Officer

Laura Strangeway has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

After a great level of interest from candidates and an extensive process, Laura was chosen as the best person for the job after performing the role of Acting CEO since the resignation of Chris Price.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway's new CEO Laura Strangeway, with Jerry Swift.placeholder image
North Yorkshire Moors Railway's new CEO Laura Strangeway, with Jerry Swift.

Laura brings with her a wealth of experience in Tourism and Heritage management and a passionate commitment to preserving and enhancing the cultural legacy of one of the UK's most beloved heritage railways.

Since 2015, her time at the NYMR has included working on a huge rebrand, TV and filming projects, the introduction of a new ticketing system and the launch of the huge Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey initiative.

Laura also helped the award-winning attraction navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded numerous crisis fundraising campaigns to keep the railway steaming on.

​Jerry Swift, Trust Board Chair, said: “In the end it came down to two and I am delighted that Laura is the successful candidate and was so clearly the best person for the job.

"Laura gave us a compelling view of the future of our railway and I for one am looking forward to working with her on that.”

​Laura Strangeway said: “I am committed to ensuring that we continue to deliver magical experiences for our visitors whilst bringing history to life.

"My hope is to continue working with the railway’s resilient management team, staff and wonderful volunteers to keep the spirit of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway alive for generations to come.”

​Chris Gee, PLC Chair, and Jerry Swift, will now be working with Laura to develop clear short and medium-term priorities.

News you can trust since 1882
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice