13.07.18
Crossrail boss appointed to replace Higgins at HS2
Top image: Chief executive of Crossrail Andrew Wolstenholme (left) and former chairman of Crossrail Sir Terry Morgan (right).
The man who has been chair of Crossrail since 2009 has been appointed to the same top job at HS2 Ltd, taking over from Sir David Higgins.
Sir Terry Morgan has been selected by transport secretary Chris Grayling to lead HS2 as its chairman from 1 August this year.
He brings a wealth of experience to the high-speed giant after many years of working in the industry, namely as chief executive of Tube Lines and other leading roles at BAE Systems, Rover Group and the Chartered Management Institute. Morgan also has an MSc in Engineering Production and Management and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and the Institution of Civil Engineers.
“It is a privilege to take up this crucial role with HS2 – a railway that will help transform this country through better connections for over 300,000 passengers every single day,” he said. “I look forward to meeting the team and beginning the vital work of taking this magnificent project from strength to strength.”
Grayling said Morgan’s appointment will ensure that “we will continue to see world-class leadership in an exciting period for one of Europe’s most significant infrastructure projects.”
The transport secretary also extended his thanks to Higgins, who led the organisation with “determination and vision” and helped make the case for HS2 “as a driver of economic transformation.”
The outgoing chairman agreed that it was a privilege to work there and “watch the project grow from concept to the point of construction.”
“Terry is the right person to not only continue that process but lift it to the next level,” added Higgins. “During the past four years, local authorities and business leaders in the midlands and the north have not only recognised HS2’s potential to re-balance the national economy, but have also made it an integral part of their plans for the future. Terry has the experience and expertise to keep delivering to that ambitious agenda.”
Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd’s chief executive, said they will shortly also be announcing the company’s new chief operating officer and chief finance officer.
The new appointments mark a step forward for the organisation, which recently became embroiled in controversy after MPs slammed its high redundancy payouts and even questioned whether action should be taken against former boss Simon Kirby. Since then, it has reported “significant improvements” in its controls environment.
Top image credit: Dominic Lipinski via PA Archive/PA Images
Enjoying RTM? Subscribe here to receive our weekly news updates or click here to receive a copy of the magazine!