The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is pleased to reveal the panel of industry experts who will be judging this year’s Railway Industry Supplier Excellence (RISE) Awards.

Judges

• Richard Adams, Group Head of Architecture, DfT Operator
• Gareth Evans, Head of Rail Technology, Network Rail
• Dr Emma Louise Finnegan, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Project and Development Manager for the UK Rail Industry
• Shamit Gaiger OBE, Managing Director, West Coast Partnership Development
• Richard Harmer, Chief Operating Officer, Young Rail Professionals (YRP)
• Sonia Hazel BEM, Assurance & Controls Manager (HS2), Network Rail
• Barry Lloyd, Head of Innovation and New Product Development, Transport for Wales (TfW)
• Victoria Race, Deputy Director, Rail International, Strategy, and Engagement, UK Department for Transport
• Laura Reardon, Head of Safety Risk Management, Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB)
• Max Sugarman, Chief Executive, Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK)
• Richard Thorp, Chief Operating Officer, London St Pancras Highspeed
• Dr Jo White, Director of Engineering, National Highways

Further information about the judges can be found here.

The awards celebrate the excellence and achievements of the UK rail supply chain across a variety of categories. The winners will be announced at the RIA Dinner & RISE Awards on 25 June 2026 at The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, London.

The categories are:

Companies Awards

• Application of Digital Technology Award
• Employer of the Year Award
• Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Award
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Award
• Innovation Award
• Partnership Award
• Safety Award
• SME Exporter in Rail Award
• SME Growth in Rail Award
• Wellbeing Award

Individual Awards

• Employee of the Year Award
• Rising Star Award

To nominate your company or an individual for an award, follow the instructions on RIA’s website and complete the form by 13 March 2026.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact rose.garber@riagb.org.uk.Additional information about the RISE Awards can be found here.

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