HS2 Ltd CEO Mark Thurston is to walk away from the struggling project after six and a half years in September, with no successor lined up.
Mr joined the company in March 2017, shortly after Royal Assent was secured for Phase One, giving the powers to build the first section of the new high speed railway.
In a statement, the government-owned company said that ‘to ensure continuity through the coming years’, he will hand over to new leadership who will lead the transition to the next stage of the project.
In fact, chairman Jon Thompson will become executive chairman for while a new chief executive is recruited.
Mr Thurston said: ‘Leading this organisation has been the highlight of my career and a privilege from the first day - the programme has come such a long way and I want to thank everyone who has worked on the project during my time.
‘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.’
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.’
Mr Harper announced major delays to HS2 Phase 2a between Birmingham and Crewe, and to the HS2 station at London Euston.
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