Crossrail

Crossrail boss quits

The boss of Crossrail is to step down after nearly two years at the helm – with no successor yet in place.

Chief executive Rob Holden has not given exact reasons for his sudden decision to depart, beyond wanting to “explore new opportunities”.

Crossrail chairman Terry Morgan said they “regret but respect” the decision.

Mr Holden, who came on board from London and Continental Railways in April 2009, had previously overseen the HS1 project. He will leave Crossrail later this year.

Mr Morgan said: “Rob came on board soon after we secured Royal Assent to the Crossrail Act. He has successfully taken Crossrail from the drawing board, through the detailed design process, above all through very effective and successful negotiation with Government to secure a green light for Crossrail under the Comprehensive Spending Review, to the award of the main tunnel contracts late last year and the start of full construction. In the process he has achieved savings of over £1 billion in the programme, whilst preserving the project’s original scope.

“We regret his decision to step down but respect it. He leaves the project in great shape and we are on firm foundations to maintain our momentum to deliver this critically important project for the UK, on time and within budget.”

Mr Holden, in a statement, said: “I am proud to have led the Crossrail team over the past two years, and to have seen the project receive an unequivocal green light from Government in the recent Comprehensive Spending Review. With the project moving into its construction phase, Crossrail needs a Chief Executive who can commit to lead right through to opening in 2018.

“I leave Crossrail confident that, with its funding firmly in place, a robust delivery plan, clear governance and a strong delivery team, Crossrail is now well set to move forward to a successful launch.”

(Image shows Rob Holden, source: Crossrail)

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