Mark Wild steps into the role of HS2 Chief Executive, bringing extensive experience from Crossrail.
- He is tasked with managing the streamlined London to Birmingham route after plans to extend to Leeds and Manchester were scrapped.
- Wild’s appointment is aimed at controlling costs amidst a £600m final framework for the rail project.
- Transport Secretary highlights HS2’s potential for economic growth, job creation, and improved rail connectivity.
- HS2 leaders express confidence in Wild’s ability to complete the complex rail project efficiently.
Mark Wild, previously known for his leadership of the Crossrail project, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of High Speed 2 (HS2) Ltd. His tenure at Crossrail, which lasted nearly four years until August 2022, showcased his expertise in handling complex rail systems, making him a fitting choice for the ambitious HS2 project. Before Crossrail, Wild held influential roles at London Underground, Public Transport Victoria in Australia, and Invensys Rail, which underscores his robust background in the transport sector.
HS2, the UK’s high-speed railway project, recently narrowed its scope to focus solely on the London to Birmingham corridor, abandoning the initial plans to extend the line to Leeds and Manchester. This strategic realignment comes as the government seeks to ensure financial efficiency while delivering essential rail infrastructure. Wild’s new role involves overseeing this revised plan, ensuring timelines are met and expenditures are controlled effectively.
A recent £600 million framework was announced by HS2 Ltd, aimed at completing the project’s current phase. Wild’s responsibilities include steering this phase towards successful completion, thereby transitioning from mounting civil engineering efforts to the operational phase of rail systems and services. HS2 Ltd has acknowledged his “outstanding record” in delivering intricate railway projects as indicative of future success under his leadership.
The appointment of Wild aligns with ongoing reforms within HS2, focusing on cost management and meeting the newly adjusted project scope. Transport Secretary Mark Harper has emphasised the transformational impact of HS2, citing benefits such as faster travel times, economic stimulation, and substantial job creation. Harper expressed confidence in Wild’s capacity to “grip costs” and manage the project to fruition.
HS2 Chair Sir Jon Thompson supports the appointment, noting Wild’s unparalleled experience and success in leading major projects. Sir Jon expressed optimism that Wild will adeptly guide the HS2 programme through its current challenges to completion. Meanwhile, Wild himself stated his eagerness to lead HS2, highlighting the vast benefits the railway promises to deliver once operational.
Mark Wild’s appointment signals a pivotal moment for HS2, with expectations for streamlined progress and strategic execution under his leadership.
