Smith succeeds David Briginshaw, who moves to a supporting role as consulting editor while continuing as associate publisher.

Smith joined the IRJ editorial team in November 2009 as features editor and was promoted to managing editor in 2017. Before joining IRJ, Smith worked as a local government reporter for the Pharos-Tribune daily newspaper in Logansport, Indiana. He holds a Master’s degree in American Studies from Purdue University, United States, (2008) and a BA in American Studies from Lancaster University, Britain, (2006).

Briginshaw, who has been a railway journalist since 1979, joined IRJ in 1982 as associate editor and became editor-in-chief in 2001 when he took over from Mike Knutton. Briginshaw was given the additional title of associate publisher in 2013.

“I am very pleased to be handing over the reins of IRJ to Kevin Smith who is an outstanding journalist and a fine ambassador for the magazine and website,” Briginshaw says. “Kevin has travelled the world extensively during his 10 years with IRJ which has enabled him to build up a broad range of contacts in the industry and gain a deep knowledge of rail transport. I wish Kevin every success in his new role.”

“It is an honour and a privilege to edit and lead an esteemed publication such as IRJ at an exciting and critical time for the global railway industry,” Smith says. “David has done a fantastic job of editing the publication since February 2001, and the magazine’s excellent global reputation and high standards of excellence is testament to his hard work and commitment. If I can come close to matching his achievements, I will be very happy.”

IRJ is owned by Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation and is part of the Simmons-Boardman Rail Group, which includes US sister publications Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures.