Stella Smith

Stella Smith serves as the Communications Director for the Eastern Region at Network Rail since November 2025, following her tenure as Head of Communications at Northern from January 2020 to November 2025. Prior experience includes significant roles at HM Revenue & Customs, including Deputy Director of HMRC Communications where responsibilities encompassed strategic communications leadership, corporate communications, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement. Notable achievements include leading communications for the successful exit of the £10 billion Aspire IT contract and launching social media customer support initiatives that won awards. Stella's early career involved strategic partnerships at the Government Office Yorkshire & Humber/North West. Stella holds a BA in Journalism from The University of Sheffield and an Internal Communications Diploma from CIPR.