Ian McDonald Campbell

Ian MacDonald Campbell, CVO (13 July 1922 – 1 April 1994) was a British civil engineer. He served as chief executive of the British Railways Board (1978–1980) and chairman of the Scottish Board of British Railways (1983–1988).

Early life, family and education Ian MacDonald Campbell was born on 13 July 1922, the son of John Isdale Campbell. He attended University College London, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1942.

Career

Railways After graduating, Campbell was employed by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, and then served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. On demobilisation, in 1947 Campbell began working for British Railways; he was employed in engineering design and construction. In 1952, he spent a year in the United States studying management technology. After returning to the United Kingdom in 1953, he was appointed assistant district engineer, Sheffield; and was appointed chief executive in June 1978, taking over from David Bowick. He was replaced as CEO by Bob Reid in March 1980. Thereafter, he was vice-chairman of the board from March 1980 until January 1983. He then served as chairman of the Scottish Board from 1983 to 1988, and left the BRB in 1987. and to be Colonel Commanding the Engineer and Railway Staff Corps on 21 July 1981. His supernumeracy to establishment was dated 30 April 1986 and Col. Christopher Terrel Wyatt took command of the corps.

He was also vice-president (1978–81) and then president (1981–82) of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Campbell was appointed an Officer (Brother) of the Order of St John of Jerusalem in 1973. He was also appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in the 1977 Silver Jubilee and Birthday Honours. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) in 1980, and was also a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE) and the Chartered Institute of Transport (FCIT).

Later life Campbell died on 1 April 1994. He was survived by his wife, Hilda Ann (née Williams), and their son and three daughters.