HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston resigns
Mark Thurston has announced he will be leaving HS2, the government-owned company delivering the UK’s second high speed railway line, at the end of September after six and a half years at the helm.
The HS2 chair, Sir Jon Thompson, will take over as executive chair for an interim period while a new chief executive is recruited.
The politically sensitive scheme, which the government pledges will drive investment and economic growth in the north, has been delayed and scaled back as costs have spiralled in part as a result of the rising cost of construction materials.
The first HS2 services are now expected to run between Birmingham Curzon Street and Old Oak Common in London between 2029 and 2033 and the planned London terminus at Euston will not open until 2041.
Part of the line between Birmingham, Crewe and Manchester was delayed by two years in the spring – meaning the line to Crewe may not be open until 2036, and it will not reach Manchester until 2043. The eastern section between the Midlands and Leeds was scrapped in 2021.
However Thurston’s resignation comes as major work is taking place at more than 350 sites and the first phase of the project between London and Birmingham is at peak construction.
Sir Jon Thompson, Chairman of HS2 said, “Mark’s leadership has been critical to the success of the HS2 programme. In his time as CEO the project has moved from a scheme in development to a major construction project that employs 28,500 people across the country.
“His legacy is building the foundations of HS2 which will bring growth and prosperity to towns and cities across the Midlands and the North. I want to thank him for his leadership and service.”
Thurston, 56, described the project as the highlight of his career adding the “next 18-24 months will see the project move into an exciting new stage.
“I have agreed with the board that someone else should lead the organisation and programme through what will be another defining period for HS2.”
HS2’s latest annual report shows his total renumeration in 2022 was £622,683 making him one of the UK’s best-paid civil servants.
The previous chief executive at HS2, Simon Kirby, held the position between 2014 and 2017, and was preceded by Alison Munro from 2009 to 2014.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said, “I’d like to thank Mark Thurston for his work over the last six years progressing Britain’s most transformative rail project. As well as successfully overseeing the start of construction, he has ensured HS2 has created tens of thousands of skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the country.
“As HS2 enters its next phase, the Government remains committed to unlocking all the benefits of this flagship infrastructure scheme – increasing rail capacity, connecting communities and growing the economy."