HS2 has appointed Howard Smith into the role of interim chief operations officer, a new role designed to support the future operation of HS2 and its integration into the national railway network.
The role will help establish a single voice of the future operator within HS2 and will sit on the HS2 executive team to help ensure that HS2’s programme delivery meets the needs of future passengers and those running the rail network. Whilst HS2 remains in the construction phase of the programme, the appointment will support how rail systems are designed for the future railway.
Howard will manage the HS2 Operations and Maintenance team and work closely with colleagues from Network Rail and West Coast Partnership Development.
Mark Wild, HS2 CEO, said: “I am delighted that Howard is joining HS2 in the newly established role of Chief Operations Officer. Whilst many of the 31,000 people working on HS2 at the moment are focused on delivering the impressive engineering and structures of the railway, it is critical that we are delivering a railway that is fit for operation and passengers. Having a single voice representing the future operator will help us deliver HS2 to open as an integrated part of the national railway network.”
Julien Dehornoy, North West & Central Deputy Regional Managing Director at Network Rail, commented: “We’re already working closely with HS2 to get the railway ready for future high-speed services. From delivering major changes to the existing network through our On Network Works programme, to our specialist teams planning how HS2 services will operate seamlessly alongside the existing railway, we’re working with partners across the industry to make sure passengers feel the benefits of a better-connected railway.
“Howard’s appointment is an important step in that journey, and I look forward to working with him to help ensure a smooth transition towards the future operation of HS2”
Howard brings 40 years of experience in the railway industry, including 25 years at Transport for London, where until last year he was Director of the Elizabeth Line, overseeing the line into operation and integration with the rail network. He has also worked with HS2 recently as an independent expert on railway operations.
Image credit: HS2
