GovWire

The Chair of HS2 Ltd, Sir Jon Thompson, has announced he will step down from his position in spring after almost 4 years on the Board.

Sir Jon joined the Board of HS2 Ltd as a Non-Executive Director in April 2021 and was appointed Chair of Britains largest rail project in February 2023, following a competitive recruitment process.

Recently, as Executive Chair, he also provided continuity at a pivotal time for the project while the new Chief Executive, Mark Wild, was recruited.

The recruitment of a new Chair will commence shortly to identify a successor who will lead HS2 Ltd through the next phase of the HS2 project.

Sir Jons successor will work with Mark Wild, one of the most respected figures in the infrastructure industry, who joined the organisation at the start of the month to oversee the completion of the high-speed railway.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

I want to thank Sir Jon for his work over nearly 4 years to progress Britains largest rail project.

He has provided strong leadership during challenging times for the project, and we are grateful for his service.

With the appointment of a new CEO and an incoming new Chair, HS2 will see new leadershipnext year, tasked with gripping budgets and schedules and delivering the line as cost-effectively as possible for passengers and taxpayers.

Todays announcement comes after the government gave the project much-needed certainty by confirming HS2 will be delivered between Birmingham and Euston while pledging to grip budgets andbring the project back on track to deliver it cost-effectively for passengers and taxpayers.