HS2 boss quits after six years at the helm
HS2 Ltd’s long-standing CEO, Mark Thurston, is to step down from the project after six years at the helm.
He will be replaced, on an interim basis, by chairman Sir John Thompson, who will become executive chairman from October.
Thurston joined HS2 in March 2017, shortly after the organisation secured Royal Assent for Phase One, giving the powers to build the first section of the railway.
In 2020 he secured government’s approval to move into major construction works and a workforce which stands at 28,500 today, including 1,200 apprentices.
He said: “Leading this organisation has been the highlight of my career and a privilege from the first day – the programme has come such a long way and I want to thank everyone who has worked on the project during my time.
“The next 18-24 months will see the project move into an exciting new stage. I have agreed with the Board that someone else should lead the organisation and programme through what will be another defining period for HS2.”
Thompson added: “Mark’s leadership has been critical to the success of the HS2 programme. In his time as CEO the project has moved from a scheme in development to a major construction project that employs 28,500 people across the country.
“His legacy is building the foundations of HS2 which will bring growth and prosperity to towns and cities across the Midlands and the North. I want to thank him for his leadership and service.”
HS2 has been beset by delays and alterations.
Plans for an East Midlands Hub at Toton, where trains would continue on a HS2 line to Leeds, have been scrapped. Meanwhile, the line extension to Crewe has been delayed by two years.
