New CEO to lead next phase of East West Rail

Today, East West Railway (EWR) Company has announced the appointment of David Hughes as Chief Executive Officer, effective from 3rd June 2024.

David joins EWR from ARUP where he has been Major Programmes Director. He has a long track record in developing and delivering the biggest transport programmes in the UK, with a career that spans serving as Director General responsible for Rail Infrastructure in the Department for Transport, Programme Director at Transport for the North, and Investment Planning Director at Transport for London.

David Hughes said: “I’m very excited to be joining the EWR team at this important moment. I’ve spent my career to date delivering transport connections that both make a real difference to the lives of the communities they serve and boost economic growth as well.

“EWR epitomises that – it’s a real opportunity to improve the quality of life for people living locally with faster and more frequent connections to the places they want to go, and it can also be a huge win for the UK economy as a whole. I can’t wait to get started, and particularly to meet local residents and businesses during the consultation, to hear your views on how to best develop East West Rail for the future."

Neil Sachdev, Chair of EWR Co, said: “I’m so pleased that David will be joining us as our Chief Executive. He brings a proven track record in delivering major transport programmes, and a real commitment to the promise that EWR offers, both for better public transport in local communities but also in unlocking growth in this world-leading region for science and technology.

“David starts on solid foundations, and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you again to our outgoing CEO, Beth West, for the good work she has done over the past two years to get us ready as we embark on the next phase of EWR.”  

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “I am delighted with David’s appointment and look forward to working with him as we continue to deliver East West Rail - a major project that is part of the Government’s plan to improve transport and will transform rail journeys for millions of people between Oxford and Cambridge.

“As the project picks up pace ahead of the introduction of passenger services next year, David’s wealth of experience delivering major rail projects will be invaluable in driving forward the next crucial phases of the line, building on the huge amount of progress already made to date.”

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