Mark Wild, who took over the completion of the Crossrail project after it ran into trouble, is taking over as the boss of HS2 railway.
Mark Wild (c) HS2
Mark will join HS2 at a pivotal moment in the programme’s delivery. Civil engineering works along the route from London to the West Midlands are reaching their peak, and the focus is shifting to building the infrastructure to operate the railway.
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.
Mark’s precise start date has yet to be confirmed. His arrival follows the departure of Mark Thurston, who led HS2 for six and a half years until the end of September 2023.
As one of the most respected figures in the infrastructure industry, Mark brings almost four decades of experience to the role. Before being directed in late 2018 to complete the Elizabeth line, Mark was Managing Director of London Underground and was previously Chief Executive of Public Transport Victoria, the integrated transport authority based in Melbourne, Australia.
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.”
HS2 remains on track to deliver operational rail services between 2029 and 2033.
I really hope this means it goes to Euston at least. I doubt he’d take the role if he didn’t think he could make that happen, as otherwise it’s going to put his previous project (Crossrail) under even more strain taking the extra load from Old Oak Common and overcrowding those trains.
It has to go to Euston, it’s ridiculous if it doesn’t!
It’s not his decision whether it goes to Eustion or not. That rests with the Government.
Even without Euston it’s still a very high pressure and high profile job.
Hopefully once the general election is out of the way a decision on Euston can be sorted. Assuming polling isn’t badly wrong there will likely be a change of government, who will hopefully see sense. It may also help TFL in getting a reasonable long-term funding settlement, especially as the mayoral elections have been put to bed.
@ChrisC
I would have thought that during negotiations there would have been discussion on all the cost overruns, conflicting requirements including Euston and future plans. He is no mug. He would not have left CEO at SGN without preconditions. And he definitely is going to let it torch his reputation.