Mark Wild, the former leader of London’s Crossrail project (now known as the Elizabeth Line), has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UK’s controversial HS2 high-speed rail project. Wild will succeed Mark Thurston, who departed from HS2 Ltd in September 2023. HS2 services are scheduled to commence in 2033, connecting Old Oak Common station in West London to Birmingham Curzon Street. The project has faced some controversy, as the UK government decided to scrap the extension north of Birmingham to Manchester last year. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has committed to constructing an HS2 link to Euston station in central London. In October, the current UK government announced the appointment of a separate development company to manage the “delivery” of the Euston redevelopment necessary for HS2 services. This policy may change following the UK’s general election on July 4. HS2 Ltd stated that Wild’s appointment is part of a series of measures “aimed at bearing down on costs and safely delivering the scheme on time.” Transport Secretary Mark Harper expressed his support, stating, “HS2 between Euston and the West Midlands will provide faster connections for millions of passengers, grow the economy, regenerate communities, and create tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs across the country. Mark Wild brings a wealth of experience, including leading the successful delivery of Crossrail, and I am confident he will manage costs and oversee this transformative project.” Wild’s official start date at HS2 Ltd has yet to be confirmed, with Sir Jon Thompson continuing as executive chair during this interim period. Wild expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I look forward to leading HS2 as it progresses from major construction works to its rail systems phase and beyond to the first passenger services. The scale and ambition of HS2 is phenomenal and will deliver wide-reaching benefits for the UK through more jobs, economic growth, and better journeys.”
Mark Wild Appointed as New CEO of UK’s Controversial HS2 Rail Project
