Mark Harper, Transport Secretary, has appointed two new Non-Executive Directors to the HS2 Ltd Board today (14th June) to strengthen its leadership and expertise in bringing the impressive rail project to fruition.

The positions were awarded to Joanna Davinson and Keith Smithson, who will work with Sir Jonathan Thompson, Chair of HS2 Ltd.

The team will supervise the vast project whilst bringing accountability in terms of cost and efficiency, making sure that the project is delivered in the most efficient manner for taxpayers.

The building of HS2 provides thousands of high-skilled positions, not to mention within the supply chain.

The innovative project has also supported over 1,200 apprenticeships since 2017. On completion, HS2 will continue to bring increases to local economies across the country, provide an environmentally friendly travel approach to road and air travel and also create a skills and innovation legacy which will aid future infrastructure projects in the UK.

Joanna’s previous role saw her work in the position of Executive Director of the Central Digital and Data Office at the Cabinet Office, which provides her with substantial knowledge in relation to her new role. Keith has also held a number of executive positions at companies such as HSBC, Paragon Banking Group and KPMG.

Mark Harper, Transport Secretary said: “I’m delighted to make these updates to the board today and welcome Joanna and Keith to the team.”

“They bring with them a wealth of experience and I’m confident the right people are in place to robustly grip costs, hold HS2 Ltd to account and drive forward this revolutionary project which will positively transform rail travel across the UK for generations to come.”

Re-appointments for a further four years have also been made today including Elaine Holt as Deputy Char and Ian King as the Governement‘s Special Director on the Board alongside re-appointments for a further three years for Dame Judith Hackitt and Stephen Hughes as Non-Executive Directors. The re-appointments come after Mel Ewell and Roger Mountford stepped down from their Non-Executive positions as their terms reached an end.

Sir Jonathan Thompson, HS2 Ltd chair, said: “I am delighted to welcome Joanna and Keith to the Board. They further strengthen the expertise and leadership we have on the HS2 Board at a critical time for the programme as we meet the challenges of inflation and delivering the programme in the most cost-effective way.”

“They will help ensure HS2 provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revolutionise the British rail network – providing vital additional capacity, better connect our towns and cities in the midlands and the north, and fuel economic growth and job creation across the country.”