The UK Government have announced three new non-executive directors will be joining High Speed 2 Ltd's (HS2 Ltd) Board of Directors following a press release led by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
The three new individuals and their roles within HS2 Ltd are:
- Elaine Holt – Infrastructure Specialist – Using her knowledge of the railway industry and project delivery.
- Ian King – Government Representative – Using his knowledge from over 20 years of senior leadership and project delivery, he will advise HS2 Ltd on how the government address issues, reporting to Transport Secretary and HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson.
- Tom Harris – Community Engagement Leader – Cooperated with stakeholders and impacted groups, he will ensure their views and opinions are consider by HS2 Ltd.
These appointments have been made following criticisms of HS2 Ltd and their management of the HS2 project, which will hopefully be resolved by the addition of Elaine, Ian and Tom.
With construction given the green light for the first phase, the government want to ensure the project meets their targets, especially as the project will play a key role in the UK Economy's recovery following COVID-19.
With 500 new employees being recruited by HS2 Ltd and up to 16,000 individuals set to be working on the project by the end of 2021, HS2 will provide a big employment boost.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “When we gave HS2 the go-ahead, we made a clear commitment to draw a line under past problems and to move forward with a strong grip of the project and a laser-like focus on cost control and transparency.
The appointments of Elaine Holt, Tom Harris and Ian King to the Board of HS2 Ltd will deliver on this promise and ensure this vital project has the robust leadership it requires as it drives our country's economic recovery from COVID-19 and delivers better connectivity to level up communities across the North and Midlands.”
Chair of HS2 Ltd Allan Cook CBE said:”I am looking forward to working with Elaine, Tom and Ian as they join the board of HS2 Ltd. The scale and complexity of the next phase of the project, which is already making a vital contribution by supporting thousands of jobs all over the country, requires increased levels of expertise and oversight to further strengthen the excellent experience we have on the board.
Elaine, Tom and Ian have a huge wealth of experience in each of their specialist areas. I am certain they will make a valuable contribution to the success of the HS2 project as we progress through the construction phase and ensure that, with the other members of the board, we meet our commitments to government and UK taxpayers.”
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Ian King – Government Representative – Using his knowledge from over 20 years of senior leadership and project delivery, project delivery = overdue and over budget, looks like jobs for the boys, and an increase in costs
HS2 will be the best high speed railway line that will serve the North of England and to connect with Europe if a new high speed link line was to be built linking HS2 with HS1. Unless a new underground walkway is to be built from Euston main line to Euston Square.