HS2 Ltd has appointed Neil Holm as its new Chief Programme Officer, a key leadership move as the company continues its comprehensive reset of Britain's flagship high-speed rail project.
The newly created role will focus on overseeing the completion of HS2's remaining construction programme while preparing the railway for the introduction of passenger services. The appointment forms part of a wider transformation being led by Mark Wild, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd, aimed at ensuring the organisation has the right structure, leadership and capability to deliver the railway through to operation.
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in delivering complex infrastructure and defence programmes, Holm joins HS2 from BAE Systems, where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, leading the transformation of the company's shipbuilding business.
His rail credentials include serving as Managing Director of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade, where he led the programme through key approvals and oversaw mobilisation work on the major railway enhancement between York and Manchester.
Holm will become a member of the HS2 executive team, providing fresh leadership as the project enters a critical phase of delivery.
Industry Experience to Support HS2 Delivery
Mark Wild said:
"Neil joins HS2 Ltd as we move towards the end of our work to reset the programme, setting us up to deliver Britain’s new high-speed railway between London and the West Midlands.
"His track record of successful project delivery gives me confidence that he will play a pivotal role as we continue with our mission to open the new railway by 2037 at the lowest reasonable cost."
Holm said he was honoured to join the organisation at such a significant point in its development.
'A Pivotal Time' for Britain's High-Speed Railway
Neil Holm said:
"I am hugely excited to be joining HS2 at this pivotal time.
"This is one of the most important infrastructure projects in the UK’s history, and it is a real honour to be part of its transformation and delivery.
"I look forward to applying my experience in major infrastructure and defence to steer the project to a safe and successful completion."
HS2 Reset Progressing Towards Completion
The ongoing HS2 reset programme is designed to establish a more realistic and efficient delivery plan while improving value for taxpayers and addressing challenges inherited from previous stages of the project.
The review is expected to conclude by spring next year, providing a clear roadmap for the railway's delivery.
HS2 now has a defined pathway to complete major civil engineering works before the end of the decade, supported by a multi-year funding settlement. Once this phase is complete, attention will turn to the installation of railway systems, including track, power and signalling infrastructure, followed by comprehensive testing of trains and operational systems ahead of passenger services.
The appointment of Holm represents another significant step in strengthening HS2's leadership team as the project moves from large-scale construction towards railway systems integration and operational readiness.
Image credit: HS2
