Tuesday, May 28, 2024 The UK’s controversial HS2 high-speed rail project has named Mark Wild as its new CEO. Wild, who previously led the Crossrail project in London, now known as the Elizabeth Line, will take over from HS2 Ltd’s former boss Mark Thurston, who left in September 2023. HS2’s services are slated to commence in 2033 between West London’s Old Oak Common station and Birmingham Curzon Street.
This follows the UK government’s decision to scrap the extension north of Birmingham to Manchester, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year. However, Sunak has committed to constructing an HS2 link to Euston station in central London. In October, the current UK government decided to appoint a separate development company to manage the “delivery” of the Euston redevelopment necessary for HS2 services.
This policy might change following the UK’s general election on July 4. HS2 Ltd stated that Wild’s appointment is part of a series of measures “aimed at bearing down on costs and safely delivering the scheme on time.” Transport Secretary Mark Harper expressed his support, stating, “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 high-skilled jobs across the country.
Mark Wild brings a wealth of experience, including leading the successful delivery of Crossrail, and I am confident he will manage costs and oversee this transf.
