The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper MP has appointed Keith Smithson and Joanna Davinson as new Non-Executive Directors to HS2’s board of directors. In their new roles, Keith and Joanna will work alongside HS2’s Chair, Sir Jonathan Thompson, to provide oversight and accountability for the project.
Joanna brings extensive knowledge to the role having previously served as the Executive Director of the Central Digital and Data Office at the Cabinet Office. Meanwhile, Keith has already held several executive positions at global organisations such as HSBC, Paragon Banking Group and KPMG.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “I’m delighted to make these updates to the board today and welcome Joanna and Keith to the team.”
“They bring with them a wealth of experience and I’m confident the right people are in place to robustly grip costs, hold HS2 Ltd to account and drive forward this revolutionary project, which will positively transform rail travel across the UK for generations to come.”
In addition to the new appointments, Elaine Holt, Deputy Chair, and Ian King, the government’s Special Director on the Board, have been reappointed for a further 4 years. Dame Judith Hackitt and Stephen Hughes have also been reappointed as Non-Executive Directors for a further 3 years.
This follows Mel Ewell and Roger Mountford recently stepping down from their non-executive roles having completed full terms on the board.
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