A SECOND member of top management at Network Rail is moving to a post at HS2 Ltd, the Government's development company for domestic High Speed Rail.
Network Rail's managing director of infrastructure projects, Simon Kirby, is to be chief executive, construction, from 1 June.
His present boss, Network Rail chief executive David Higgins, is currently working his last few weeks at Network Rail before taking up the full-time job of executive chairman of HS2 Ltd on 1 March. This post is expected to last about six months, after which David Higgins becomes a conventional chairman.
Network Rail's chairman Richard Parry-Jones said: "Simon has been extremely successful in his ten years with the company, delivering a large range of landmark projects all across the country. He leaves behind him a strong organisation that enjoys excellent relationships with our supply chain partners. We are very grateful for everything he has contributed and wish him the very best in his new role at HS2. Going forward the two organisations will be working closely together and Simon's appointment will only serve to reinforce that."
During the last five years, Simon Kirby has been responsible for a number of major projects, including the refurbishment and renovation of London King's Cross, the modernisation and enlargement of the Reading station area, the Hitchin flyover, the reconstructed railway between Airdrie and Bathgate, Nottingham modernisation and the first phase of the Thameslink Programme.
David Higgins said: "As I start my tenure as chairman of this essential project that will free up much needed capacity on our crowded railways, I am extremely pleased that we have secured Simon to run what will be the biggest infrastructure project in Europe, and one of the biggest in the world.
“Delivering this project in a way which is not just cost effective, but also delivers its benefits to as much of the country as soon as possible, is a huge engineering project, but Simon has proven throughout his career that he is capable of taking on such a unique challenge.
“I fully realise that the skills he brings to the task are much sought after throughout the world and we are delighted he has agreed to take on the role - and that Alison Munro has agreed to continue in her role of over-seeing both the Parliamentary process and the development of Phase Two.
“HS2 has the potential to re-balance the UK economy, easing pressure in the South, and opening up the possibility of growth in the North. We are fortunate to be able to call on the skills and commitment of both Simon and Alison to make that potential a reality."
HS2 Ltd said that the current chief executive Alison Munro will continue in that post until September when she will become managing director of development, to oversee the passage of the Hybrid Bill through Parliament and the development of Phase Two.
It added that Mr Kirby will be paid £750,000 a year, and that no bonuses will be added to his salary.