Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is relaunching the search for a new Chair for HS2.
The Department for Transport says that to reflect the importance the role has, criteria for the Chair has been updated to attract leaders from a wider field of sectors and backgrounds. Each candidate will be asked to demonstrate their experience in providing world-class strategic leadership in complex settings.
The new Chair will carry on the work of HS2 Ltd and former Chair Allan Cook CBE – which, one year on from the Prime Minister marking the start of construction, is said to be supporting over 20,000 jobs and more than 600 apprenticeships.
HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson said: “The Chair of HS2 Ltd is one of the most important transport jobs in the UK sitting at the helm of a project that will deliver on the Government’s promises to boost connectivity, level up communities across the North and Midlands and help the nation Build Back Better.
“We’ve relaunched our search with new criteria designed to ensure we recruit the best and brightest candidate, ready to take on this challenge and drive forward transformation across the nation.”
This comes as the secretary of state appoints Sir Jon Thompson to become Deputy Chair of HS2 Ltd.
Sir Jon Thompson said: “This is a once-in-a-generation programme, which will transform transport and connectivity in the UK and I am thrilled to take on an expanded role. Like the rest of the Board, I am passionate about ensuring HS2 unlocks economic growth and jobs. As Deputy Chair, I will support the company to deliver the programme on time and on budget.”
This role will include chairing HS2 Ltd until a permanent replacement is found and will be an extension of the duties Sir Jon has held as a non-executive director since April 2021.
Sir Jon will support the HS2 Minister and future Chair to ensure HS2 is delivered on time and in budget whilst also working with the rest of the Board and the Executive to provide oversight, leadership, and accountability for the HS2 programme.
Sir Jon brings decades of experience in the delivery of major projects to the role alongside world-class leadership experience having previously served as the permanent secretary at both the Ministry of Defence and HM Revenue and Customs.
