Transport for the North’s Chief Executive Barry White will step down from the role next year.

The lead officer for the North’s Sub-national Transport Body will leave in May 2021 to take a career break. It is anticipated to follow submission of the next business case for Northern Powerhouse Rail, scheduled for March.

A process to appoint a successor has now begun to aid a smooth transition, with an update on progress to be made in due course.
John Cridland, Chairman of Transport for the North, said:

“Barry White has decided to leave the role of Chief Executive in the spring. We thank him for his leadership, contribution and achievements, in particular submitting our 30-year Strategic Transport Plan to Government last year. Barry also led TfN through the challenges of responding to the May 2018 timetable crisis and remains on track to submit the next business case for Northern Powerhouse Rail next March. We wish him the very best for the future.

“With the urgent need to build back better following COVID-19, Transport for the North’s mission to speak with one voice on behalf of our region and create a more prosperous North is as important today as it has ever been.”

Barry White, Chief Executive, said: 

“The people at TfN are remarkable, their hard work and passion have helped drive forward the agenda for investment in the North. It’s been a privilege to work with them – alongside the North’s civic and business leaders – in firmly establishing Transport for the North as one clear voice on transport investment.

“Unprecedented Northern collaboration has seen TfN continue to make clear recommendations to Government on future investment. I believe the time is right for me to move on, I am immensely proud of the dedicated TfN team, and I know they will continue to drive forward the mission of creating a more prosperous North for generations to come.”