Ripesh Patel is the Commercial & Procurement Strategy Director at Network Rail with 25+ years of leadership experience. He champions inclusive leadership, chairs his Directorate’s ED&I Change Group. A passionate advocate for equity in business, Ripesh launched an inclusive procurement programme focused on making procurement more accessible to underrepresented and diverse suppliers. Ripesh also sits on the company’s Race Matters Steering Board, shaping race equality strategy and driving lasting change. He is widely recognised as a mentor, advocate, and change agent, committed to empowering others and advancing the profession through innovation, inclusion and integrity.
