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The new HS2 Chair has been appointed to Sir Jonathan Thompson, taking the responsibility of driving forward Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
Sir Jonathan’s appointment, which follows almost a year as Deputy Chair, comes at a pivotal time for the HS2 programme as the Crewe-Manchester Bill moves through Parliament and work at Euston continues to progress and regenerate the surrounding area.
In his role, Sir Jonathan will be providing strategic leadership, oversight and accountability for the HS2 programme, ensuring it is delivered on time and in budget while continuing to create jobs, boost local economies and provide much needed capacity on our railways.
Sir Jonathan brings decades of experience delivering major projects and world-class leadership, having previously served as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and HM Revenue and Customs. This is on top of overseeing huge landmark moments HS2 has already achieved during his time as Deputy Chair, including providing 1,000 apprenticeships and completing the first mile of tunnels at Long Itchington Wood.
HS2 is a once-in-a-lifetime project which will improve transport connectivity and drive growth, benefitting towns and communities across the North of England and the Midlands. As well as being the largest infrastructure project in Europe, HS2 is spearheading new construction methods such as 2000-tonne tunnel boring machines and using new technology to ensure the natural landscape across the route is left in the same, if not better, condition than it was found.
This comes just months after the Chancellor and Prime Minister set out the government’s commitment to HS2 in the Autumn Statement and reiterated their dedication to ensuring the project provides fast, more reliable services and connects people to new job opportunities.
“HS2 goes far beyond simply making journeys quicker. It is a world-leading project already having a huge impact by regenerating communities and creating tens of thousands of jobs across the country,” says Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
“I am delighted to appoint Sir Jonathan as Chair, and with his breadth of experience, I have no doubt he will be successful in delivering our shared goals of increasing capacity on our rail network, levelling up our country and driving economic growth for generations to come,” says Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
“I am delighted to have been appointed as HS2 Chair. This monumental project has already achieved some incredible milestones during my time on the board. I’ve seen first-hand how it will transform journeys and people’s lives across the country,” says HS2 Chair Sir Jonathan Thompson.
“I look forward to working with our first-class stakeholders and partners in my new role to ensure this opportunity fulfils its pioneering potential,” says HS2 Chair Sir Jonathan Thompson.
Also appointed today is Elaine Holt as Deputy Chair of the HS2 Ltd board. Elaine is an existing non-executive director and an expert in both transport and the service industries, and she will support the Chair in leading the board.
Source: © Crown copyright
Image source: © Crown copyright
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