The position of HS2 Chair is one of the most important roles within UK transport as the vast project sits right at the heart of the Governments once in a life time levelling up plans that will boost transport connectivity throughout the North of England and the Midlands.

Based on the needs for the role of Chair, the position has now been updated to draw leaders from broader fields, sectors and backgrounds who may be interested in taking on this incredible transformational project. Candidates for the role will need to demonstrate their experience in providing exceptional strategic leadership in a complex environment.

The new Chair will continue building upon work already underway by HS2 Ltd and former Chair Allan Cook CBE. The vast project is now one year on since the Prime Minister marked the start of work and is currently supporting more than 20,000 jobs with over 600 apprenticeships.

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said:

“The Chair of HS2 Ltd is one of the most important transport jobs in the UK sitting at the helm of a project that will deliver on the Government’s promises to boost connectivity, level up communities across the North and Midlands and help the nation Build Back Better.

“We’ve relaunched our search with new criteria designed to ensure we recruit the best and brightest candidate, ready to take on this challenge and drive forward transformation across the nation.”

This follows as the Secretary of State appointed Sir Jon Thompson as Deputy Chair of HS2 Ltd.

Sir Jon Thompson said:

“This is a once in a generation programme, which will transform transport and connectivity in the UK and I am thrilled to take on an expanded role. Like the rest of the Board, I am passionate about ensuring HS2 unlocks economic growth and jobs. As Deputy Chair, I will support the company to deliver the prografmme on time and on budget.”

The Deputy Chair position will include chairing HS2 Ltd until the new candidate is found and will see an extension of the duties Sir Jon carried out as Non-Executive Director from April 2021. Sir Jon will also assist HS2 Minister and the future Chair to make sure HS2 is achieved on time and within budget whilst working alongside the rest of the Board and Executive to bring oversight, leadership and accountability for the HS2 project. With many years of experience delivering major projects, Sir Jon also brings world-class leadership experience as he previously served as the Permanent Secretary at both the Ministry of Defence and HM Revenue and Customs.