Sir Jonathan Thompson will be taking on the mantle of HS2 Ltd
Chair and the responsibility of driving forward Europe’s largest
infrastructure project.
Sir Jonathan’s appointment, which follows almost a year as Deputy
Chair, comes at a pivotal time for the HS2 programme as the
Crewe-Manchester Bill moves through Parliament and work at Euston
continues to progress and regenerate the surrounding area.
In his role, Sir Jonathan will be providing strategic leadership,
oversight and accountability for the HS2 programme, ensuring it
is delivered on time and in budget while continuing to create
jobs, boost local economies and provide much needed capacity on
our railways.
Sir Jonathan brings decades of experience delivering major
projects and world-class leadership having previously served as
the Permanent Secretary at both the Ministry of Defence and HM
Revenue and Customs. This is on top of overseeing huge landmark
moments HS2 has already achieved during his time as Deputy Chair,
including providing 1,000 apprenticeships and the completion of
the first one-mile of tunnels at Long Itchington Wood.
HS2 is a once-in-a-lifetime project, which will improve transport
connectivity across the North of England and the Midlands. As
well as being the largest infrastructure project in Europe, HS2
is also spearheading new methods of construction such as 2000
tonne tunnel boring machines and using new technology to ensure
the natural landscape across the route is left in the same, if
not better, condition than it was found.
This comes just months after the Chancellor and Prime Minister
set out the Government’s commitment to HS2 in the Autumn
Statement, and reiterated their dedication to ensuring the
project provides fast, more reliable services and connects people
to new job opportunities.
Transport Secretary said:
“HS2 goes far beyond simply making journeys quicker. It is a
world-leading project that is already having a huge impact by
regenerating communities and creating tens of thousands of jobs
across the country.
"I am delighted to appoint Sir Jonathan as Chair, and with his
breadth of experience I have no doubt he will be successful in
delivering our shared goals of increasing capacity on our rail
network, levelling up our country and driving economic growth for
generations to come."
Sir Jonathan Thompson said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed as HS2 Ltd Chair. During
my time on the Board, this monumental project has already
achieved some incredible milestones and I’ve seen first-hand how
it will transform not only journeys but the lives of people
across the country.
“I look forward to working with our first-class stakeholders and
partners in my new role, to ensure this once in a lifetime
opportunity fulfils its pioneering potential.”
Also appointed today is Elaine Holt, as Deputy Chair of the HS2
Ltd Board. Elaine is an existing Non-Executive Director and an
expert in both transport and the service industries. She will
support the Chair in leading the Board.
Notes to editors
Sir Jonathan, who is a member of the Chartered Institute of
Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Chartered Institute of
Public Finance (CIPFA), will stand down from his current role as
the Chief Executive of the Financial Reporting Council
(FRC).
Sir Jonathan will start immediately and will initially split his
time equally between his roles at the HS2 Ltd and the FRC. He
will eventually take on the role for 3 days per week.
The appointment is regulated by the Commissioner for Public
Appointments.
