HS2 appoints new chief executive to oversee high-speed rail project | Mirror on the Internet

HS2 has appointed a new chief executive to lead its high-speed rail project.

Former Crossrail boss Mark Wild will be responsible for completing the railway line, which will run between London and the West Midlands. Wild’s appointment comes as HS2 undergoes a series of reforms aimed at reducing costs and ensuring the project is delivered on time.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “HS2 between Euston and the West Midlands will provide faster connections for millions of passengers, grow the economy, regenerate communities and create tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs across the country. Mark Wild brings a wealth of experience, including leading the successful delivery of Crossrail, and I have every confidence that he will deliver on the costs and solidly oversee this project to transform rail travel for generations.

Wild said: “I look forward to leading HS2 as it moves from major construction works, through the development of the rail systems and beyond, to the first passenger services. The scale and ambition of HS2 is phenomenal and will deliver wide-reaching benefits for the UK through more jobs, economic growth and better travel.”

The new CEO’s start date is not yet confirmed, but he will take up the role following the departure of Mark Thurston, who led HS2 Ltd for over six years, until the end of September 2023. Sir Jon will continue in his role as executive chairman until when Mr Wild takes over, when Sir Jon will return to his previous role as chairman of HS2 Ltd.

Mr Wild brings a wealth of experience from the transport and utilities sectors and most recently served as chief executive of SGN, which manages the gas distribution network in Scotland and the south-east of England. Before joining SGN, he was chief executive of Crossrail, now known as the Elizabeth Line, for almost four years.

His extensive experience also includes serving as Managing Director of London Underground and Chief Executive of Public Transport Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. Sir Jon praised the new appointment, stating: “Mark joins HS2 Ltd with unrivaled experience and a track record of successful delivery, giving me the confidence to see this incredibly complex program through to completion, providing rail users with a more reliable and faster service, while boosting the economies of the West Midlands and London.”

He added: “That we can attract a leader of his caliber is a sign of the scale and ambition of HS2.” SGN CEO Nick Salmon expressed his gratitude, saying: “We are extremely grateful to Mark for his energy, strategic vision and leadership. SGN is a key part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure and plays an important role as we strive to maintain the secure and resilient energy system that underpins the net zero economy.”

“SGN is in a strong position with a clear business strategy and key senior management appointments over the last two years. The organization is in advanced preparations for the next price review and remains a leader in developing clean energy projects to repurpose the UK gas network.”

Salmon also noted the ongoing leadership transition: “Mark will continue to lead the company for up to 12 months or until his successor is appointed and will ensure that SGN delivers an excellent service to our customers over a secure and reliable network. The selection of SGN’s next CEO has already begun.”