Transport for the North on the hunt for chief executive

Transport for the North has launched a search for its new chief executive as current boss David Brown steps down less than two years in the role.

Brown was appointed in October 2015 from Merseytravel and has now jumped ship to Arriva Rail North, operator of the Northern franchise. There he will be managing director, and faced with the unenviable task of defusing the ongoing dispute with unions over driver-only operations, which have caused days of strikes over the past few months.

Transport for the North, set to become the first sub-national transport body in the UK, is tasked with setting up a strategic transport plan to encourage infrastructure investment in the North. The plan is due to be adopted by spring 2018, though when Brown started in 2015, the date for this was set for 2017.

Once statutory status is secured, Rail North, the organisation managing the Northern and TransPennine rail franchises in partnership with the Department for Transport, will also be incorporated into the organisation.

Recruitment for the CEO role has commenced following the endorsement of the Department for Transport and central government.

TfN’s Independent chairman, John Cridland said: “This is an exciting opportunity for TfN as it embarks on the next stage of its journey towards statutory status. David has been instrumental in building and establishing TfN as a leading edge organisation.

“TfN is now equipped with the skills, expertise and shared enthusiasm to achieve the organisation’s vision of a thriving North of England, where modern transport connections drive economic growth and support an excellent quality of life.

“We’re now looking for an inspirational and dynamic individual to take the organisation to new heights, building on these solid foundations to capitalise on the opportunities and navigate the organisation’s challenges ahead. This includes securing statutory status for the organisation and overseeing the merging of Rail North with Transport for the North as it is incorporated into the organisation.”