Simon Abbott is a Chartered Geologist, a fellow of the Institute of Asset Management and the current Network Technical Head of Geotechnics at Network Rail. With over 20 years of experience in rail infrastructure, Simon leads the strategic direction for geotechnical asset management, including policy, standards, and research & development. Simon began his career in consultancy and joined the railway in 2006, managing day-to-day earthwork challenges across Kent, Sussex, Wessex, and Anglia. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in advancing the understanding and management of geotechnical risk across the network. Simon is passionate about integrating emerging technologies into asset strategies to build a safer, more resilient railway.