HS2’s former HR director pays tribute to “brilliant” colleagues

HS2’s HR director of four years, Neil Hayward, has thanked colleagues as he embarked on a new career.

Neil paid tribute to the “brilliant people” and “amazing teams” at HS2, as he announced he was undertaking a portfolio career as a non-executive and board advisor from the start of this month.

His career spans more than 35 years.

The change in role took place from 1 November. He said Shira Johnson has taken up the role as interim HR director.

He said: “I can’t move on though without first saying thank you for all the support and encouragement I’ve received over so many years. I’ve worked with some brilliant people and in some amazing teams.

“I’d especially like to thank Mark Thurston Chief Executive at HS2, and all my colleagues on his Executive Team, for making my final full time appointment as an HR Director such a fulfilling one. Together, we’ve built a business that now has the capability, capacity and culture to be successful in delivering the UK’s largest ever infrastructure project, and that’s a huge contrast to the situation I joined back in 2017.

“I’d also like to congratulate Shira Johnson on her appointment as Interim HR Director to replace me. I’ve enjoyed helping Shira to develop over the last 3 years and it’s great to now be able to pass the baton onto her. I wish her every success in her new role.”

He added: “My twin passions remain helping organisations to transform themselves for the benefit of their owners and other stakeholders, and making HR relevant in the Boardroom. You can’t do one without the other!”

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