Mark Wild OBE has been named the new Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd and will oversee the next stage as preparations are made for the start of the working railway between 2029 and 2033.
Mark was selected via a thorough recruitment process that was overseen by the HS2 Ltd board led by Executive Chair, Sir Jon Thompson, with support from Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
HS2 highlighted that Mark brings nearly 40 years of experience in delivering major infrastructure schemes. 
Mark Wild OBE said: "I look forward to leading HS2 as it progresses from major construction works to its rail systems phase and beyond to the first passenger services.
“The scale and ambition of HS2 is phenomenal and will deliver wide-reaching benefits for the UK through more jobs, economic growth and better journeys.”
Mark previously led the successful completion of Crossrail as its Chief Executive, known as the Elizabeth Line, which has carried over 300 million passengers since opening in May 2022.
Mark Harper said: "Mark Wild brings a wealth of experience with him, including leading the successful delivery of Crossrail, and I have every confidence he will grip costs and robustly oversee this project to transform rail travel for generations.”
Sir Jon Thompson added: “Mark joins HS2 Ltd with unrivalled experience and a track record of successful delivery, giving confidence that he will drive this hugely complex programme to completion - providing more reliable and faster services for rail users, while boosting the economies of the West Midlands and London. It is a mark of the scale and ambition of HS2 that we can attract a leader of his calibre.”
In his new role at HS2 Ltd, Mark will focus on the programme’s delivery, with civil engineering works along the route from London to the West Midlands reaching their peak and focus shifting to building the infrastructure to operate the railway.
The appointment is part of reforms aimed at controlling costs and keeping the project on schedule following recent changes to its scope announced by the Government, Mark’s official start date is still to be confirmed.