The High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) has announced it is expanding its Board of Directors with the appointment of Chloe Smith, Director of Communications at STRABAG UK.
With over two decades of communications experience on major UK projects including the 2012 London Olympics, Crossrail, TfL tube and station upgrades, and HS2, Smith is currently Director of Communications at STRABAG UK. She oversees communication and engagement of several complex infrastructure and ground engineering projects. Among these projects is the construction of 22km of twin-bore tunnels for HS2 and the world’s longest single bored tunnel in Northeast England as part of the Woodsmith project. Smith brings extensive expertise in infrastructure delivery and in conveying the benefits of transport investment to sustain public and political support.
Before joining STRABAG UK in May 2023, Smith was Head of Communications for the Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture delivering the HS2 London tunnels and approaches. She led the JV’s internal and external communications as well as branding and design for almost three years.
As Head of External Relations at Transport for London, she previously managed the public and political engagement of large infrastructure programmes including Crossrail, the Northern Line Extension, London Overground extension and major tube station upgrade projects. Chloe Smith also delivered strategic engagement for the London 2012 Olympics, served as Deputy Cabinet Member for Communications at Harrow Council and worked as a parliamentary researcher for a senior cabinet minister.
Smith’s extensive expertise and knowledge in the delivery of communications strategies for major infrastructure projects will be an invaluable addition to the Group’s Board as it works to rebuild consensus for the development of high speed rail in the UK.
HSRG believes that Britain needs a new intercity rail network for the nation to compete economically and continues to promote and support the successful delivery of new high speed rail across the breadth of the UK, bringing vast benefits to people, businesses, communities and the environment.
Commenting on the appointment, Chloe Smith, Director of Communications, STRABAG UK, said:
“It is a privilege to join the Group’s Board of Directors, and I look forward to implementing communication strategies that rebuild support and public confidence in transport infrastructure development."
“I look forward to applying my communications and engagement experience to highlight the significant social, economic, and environmental improvements of investing in high-speed rail.”
Image credit: HRSG
