Mr Haines, who joins the company from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA where he also acted as Chief Executive, has had a wide ranging career in the rail industry and transport sector.
He will takeover from outgoing boss Mark Carne when he joins the company later this year.
Network Rail Chair, Sir Peter Hendy CBE, said: "I am absolutely delighted to announce Andrew's appointment today. He was the most outstanding candidate in a highly competitive appointment process. Andrew's broad experience of rail and transport, and his reputation for relentless delivery and improvement makes him the ideal candidate to carry on with the transformation of Network Rail that has been led by Mark Carne.
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"Britain's railways are crucial for Britain's prosperity: connecting people with jobs, goods with markets, and stimulating new housing and economic growth.
"Andrew will drive delivery of the railway improvements set out in the strategic business plan for 2019/2024, ensuring Network Rail's continuing focus on safety, performance and cost effectiveness, and thus delivering a better experience for the millions of passengers who travel every day on our railways."
Mr Haines said: "I am delighted to be joining Network Rail to build on the excellent work of Mark Carne. Since my first job as a left luggage clerk at London Victoria I've been passionate about improving the services that the railways provide to customers and the wider economy.
"It will be an immense privilege to work alongside the dedicated, professional colleagues at Network Rail and many partner organisations to deliver closer working between track and train, embed devolution and turning the digital railway strategy into reality whilst efficiently delivering on challenging safety, operational, engineering and investment commitments."
(LM/MH)
