Mark Wild OBE will bring almost four decades of experience to the HS2 chief executive role
One of the most respected figures in the infrastructure industry, Mark will join HS2 as chief executive. brings almost four decades-worth of experience to the role.
Prior to Crossrail, Mark was managing director of the London Underground and was previously chief executive of Public Transport Victoria, the integrated transport authority based in Melbourne, Australia.
This new appointment forms part of a series of reforms across the project aimed at bearing down on costs and safely delivering the scheme on time, in line with recent scope changes announced by the Government.
The appointment has been applauded by the transport secretary
Mark was selected following a rigorous recruitment process overseen by the HS2 Ltd board and led by Sir Jon Thompson, executive chair, with backing from Mark Harper, the secretary of state for transport.
Mark Harper said: “Mark Wild brings a wealth of experience with him, including leading the successful delivery of Crossrail, and I have every confidence he will grip costs and robustly oversee this project to transform rail travel for generations.”
Sir Jon Thompson said: “Mark joins HS2 Ltd with unrivalled experience and a track record of successful delivery, giving confidence that he will drive this hugely complex programme to completion – providing more reliable and faster services for rail users, while boosting the economies of the West Midlands and London. It is a mark of the scale and ambition of HS2 that we can attract a leader of his calibre.”
Mark’s precise start date is yet to be confirmed
Sir Jon will continue in his current position as executive chair until Mark’s arrival, when he resumes his previous role as HS2 Ltd chair.
Incoming HS2 chief executive Mark Wild OBE said: “I look forward to leading HS2 as it progresses from major construction works to its rail systems phase 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 journeys.”
