Kelly Warburton

Kelly Warburton is the Senior Sales Director for Hitachi Rail UK, where she leads the sales strategy for rolling stock and integrated rail solutions across the UK market. In this role, Kelly drives major commercial opportunities, builds strategic partnerships, and champions innovation to deliver transformative rail projects that support the UK’s decarbonisation and modernisation goals.

With over 25 years of experience in the rail industry, Kelly has held senior leadership positions that have shaped the sector. She previously served as Chief Commercial Officer at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE), where she played a pivotal role in developing the commercial framework for one of the UK’s most significant rail innovation projects. Prior to that, as Managing Director UK & Europe at Unipart Rail, Kelly led large-scale supply chain operations, delivering improved performance and customer engagement across multiple markets.

Kelly is also a Board Member of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), the UK’s leading trade body for the rail supply community. In this role, she contributes to shaping industry strategy, influencing policy, and promoting investment and innovation across the sector. Her insights help strengthen supplier relationships and drive initiatives that support sustainable growth and diversity within rail.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Kelly serves as a Trustee of Women in Rail and actively mentors emerging talent. Her leadership and influence were recognised when she was named on the Northern Power Women’s Power List 2025. Kelly’s career reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and creating a more inclusive rail industry for future generations.