Susan Cooklin appointed Chair of East West Rail as project enters next phase 

East West Railway Company has today (Thursday 5th November) announced the appointment of Susan Cooklin as its new Chair as the project moves into its next phase of delivery. 

The project to build a new railway between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge is in the final stages of design and aims to submit its planning consent to Government next year. If approved, the scheme will start building and opening its first new stations within the next five years.  

Seen as a catalyst to much-needed economic growth across a region with huge potential, East West Rail creates a connected link which has the potential to add £78bn of value to the economy over the next decade, transforming the region into one with much improved east-to-west transport options.  

Susan takes the role as the organisation opens its market engagement for service providers to bid for tenders which will see the scheme move into the delivery of the proposed 100 miles of connected track and seven brand new and fully accessible stations, with connections made to 10 additional existing stations. 

With more than three decades of leadership experience spanning rail, technology, operations and business transformation, Susan is widely recognised as one of the UK's most influential technology and infrastructure leaders, having held senior executive roles at Network Rail and across the financial services sector. She previously served as Managing Director of Network Rail's Route Services business, leading thousands of employees and overseeing a national portfolio of operational, engineering, technology and supply chain services that support the railway across Great Britain.   

During her career, Susan has led major organisational transformation programmes and held non-executive board positions in the utilities, education and technology sectors. She has also been recognised nationally for her contribution to technology leadership and for championing women in STEM and the rail industry.   

Susan Cooklin said: "I am delighted to join East West Rail as Chair at such an important moment for the project. East West Rail is one of the most exciting infrastructure programmes in the UK, and delivering it is essential to future economic growth across the region, unlocking new homes and better access to jobs along the route. 

"Throughout my career, I have been passionate about delivering complex projects that make a real difference to people and businesses. I look forward to working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to realise the full benefits of this transformational railway." 

Chief Executive Officer David Hughes welcomed the appointment, saying: "I am delighted to welcome Susan to East West Rail. She brings a wealth of experience in leading large, complex organisations, delivering major transformation programmes and putting customers at the heart of decision-making. Her track record across rail, technology and infrastructure, alongside her strong leadership and governance experience, will be invaluable as we continue to develop and deliver this nationally significant project.” 

Susan replaces Neil Sachdev who is standing down after his term of office has come to a close.

David added: "I would also like to thank Neil for his tenure as Chair and for the dedication he has shown to championing the project and moving it forward through the design process." 

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