HS2 has appointed Mark Wild, ex-Crossrail chief, as its new CEO.
- Mark Wild succeeds Mark Thurston, who left in September 2023, as HS2 enters a crucial phase.
- Wild previously navigated Crossrail’s completion amid COVID-19 delays and budget overruns.
- HS2 aims to capitalise on Wild’s experience in infrastructure development.
- Transport Secretary Mark Harper supports Wild’s appointment to drive project efficiency.
HS2 Ltd has made a strategic decision in appointing Mark Wild as its new chief executive officer. His leadership comes at a pivotal time as HS2’s civil engineering works reach their climax, and the focus shifts towards establishing the operational infrastructure for the anticipated London-Birmingham line. Mark Wild’s extensive experience in handling large-scale infrastructure projects is expected to be crucial in managing the complexities of HS2’s current and future phases.
Mark Wild steps into the role, succeeding Mark Thurston, who stepped down in September 2023. Since Thurston’s departure, Sir Jon Thompson, serving as chairman, took charge of daily operations. While Wild’s exact starting date has yet to be finalised, his imminent leadership is highly anticipated as he brings a robust skillset from his previous roles.
Previously, Wild served as the chief executive for Crossrail. His tenure was marked by the challenge of steering the project to completion despite its three-and-a-half-year delay and considerable budget overrun. Wild assumed his position in 2018 when these issues were already entrenched and successfully oversaw the project’s progress through the complexities imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in its eventual opening in 2022.
Post-Crossrail, Wild transitioned to lead SGN, a gas distribution company, further enriching his leadership experience in utility services. His return to the rail sector with HS2 is seen as an opportunity to leverage his past successes in facilitating the transition from construction to operational effectiveness.
In a supportive statement, Transport Secretary Mark Harper underscored Wild’s comprehensive knowledge and commitment by stating, “Mark Wild brings a wealth of experience with him, including leading the successful delivery of Crossrail, and I have every confidence he will grip costs and robustly oversee this project to transform rail travel for generations.”
Mark Wild himself expressed optimism about his new role, highlighting the project’s expansive scope and its potential to yield significant benefits across the UK, not only in terms of improved transportation but also job creation and economic growth.
Mark Wild’s appointment heralds a new era for HS2, emphasising the project’s commitment to transformative rail service delivery.
