21.08.18
Former London City Airport CEO Declan Collier announced as ORR chair
Former London City Airport chief executive Declan Collier has been announced as the preferred candidate to take up the post as chair of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
Collier will succeed current chair Professor Stephen Glaister who will step down at the end of 2018 after three years.
Following parliamentary procedures for the public appointment, the Transport Select Committee will hold a public scrutiny hearing with Collier later this year. The final decision on the appointment will be subject to the outcome of the hearing, and work as chair is expected to begin on 1 January 2019.
The DfT announcement said the former airport chief executive “demonstrated an outstanding range of skills and a distinguished record in delivering for transport users,” following an impressive career in aviation.
Collier held his role as CEO of London City Airport since 2012 until stepping down recently. Prior to that he was the chief executive of Dublin Airports Authority for seven years, and he is currently a non-executive board member of The Royal Schiphol Group and TCR International NV.
Chris Grayling said Collier brings “a wealth of transport sector knowledge,” noting that he was confident he will be able to tackle the diverse range of issues the regulator covers.
“The ORR performs an important role as the rail regulator and roads monitor for England and I look forward to Declan Collier taking up this position,” Grayling added.
“I would like to thank Stephen Glaister for his work, he has played a distinguished role as chair, bringing important leadership during the 2018 periodic review process, which will set the regulatory framework and funding for Network Rail for the next five-year control period.”
ORR chair Glaister said: “It has been a pleasure and privilege to steer ORR as Chair over the last 3 years. In that time we have seen many changes and challenges in the rail industry: a period in which ORR has played its full part.
“I am pleased to welcome Declan at this important time for both rail and road. His background will bring significant experience to the organisation and ensure we remain a strong, independent economic and safety regulator that protects the interests of passengers, freight customers, road users and taxpayers.”
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Image credit: DfT