HS2 Makes New Appointments : The UK’s high speed rail project HS2 has appointed Richard Robinson from multinational engineering firm Aecom as the new chief operating officer (COO). He will be supporting chief executive Mark Thurston to delier what is being described as Europe’s largest infrastructure project.

“He joins us at an exciting time and brings wide-ranging experience of complex infrastructure projects and extensive management skills. Richard’s appointment will enhance our leadership team at this important time, as the project picks up pace and we begin to deliver lasting economic benefits across the UK,” said Mark Thurston about Richard’s appointment as COO.

Joining from Aecom where he was chief executive of civil infrastructure in Europe, Middle East, India and Africa, Robinson led the growth of the civil infrastructure business, first as managing director then chief executive, leading  8,000 people across four regions and a range of infrastructure projects. Before that, he was the managing director of Aecom’s Transportation Europe business.

A second appointment sees Michael Bradley from Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), an arms-length body of the Ministry of Defence, joining the HS2 project as CFO. At DE&S Michael us CFO and director general resources and has also been acting CEO since December last year.

“Michael is an excellent addition to the HS2 team and brings a wealth of experience with him to this important role,” said Thurston about Michael joining the project. “HS2 is a hugely important project that will leave a significant economic legacy here in the UK, and it is imperative that we have the best people in place to deliver our ambitions.”

High Speed Two (HS2) is the new railway that will be the backbone of Britain’s transport network, helping to bridge the north-south divide and building a country that works together. The new railway will free up space on congested rail lines and will relieve overcrowding and improve reliability for millions of people using Britain’s railways.

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