Transport for the North launches search for new Chief Executive

Thursday 6th July 2017

Transport for the North (TfN) has today launched its search for a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation in delivering its vision of a thriving North of England, where modern transport connections drive economic growth and support an excellent quality of life. Recruitment has commenced following the endorsement of the Department for Transport and central government. 

The organisation, set to become the first Sub-National Transport Body in England, is tasked with developing a Strategic Transport Plan to prioritise infrastructure investment in the North and drive transformational economic growth. Once statutory status is secured, Rail North, the organisation managing the Northern and TransPennine rail franchises in partnership with the Department for Transport, will also be incorporated into the organisation.

This announcement follows the recent news that TfN’s current Chief Executive, David Brown is stepping down to take a new post as Managing Director of Arriva Rail North Ltd which operates the Northern franchise.

TfN’s Independent Chair, John Cridland said,

“This is an exciting opportunity for TfN as it embarks on the next stage of its journey towards statutory status. David has been instrumental in building and establishing TfN as a leading edge organisation. TfN is now equipped with the skills, expertise and shared enthusiasm to achieve the organisation’s vision of a thriving North of England, where modern transport connections drive economic growth and support an excellent quality of life.

“We’re now looking for an inspirational and dynamic individual to take the organisation to new heights, building on these solid foundations to capitalise on the opportunities and navigate the organisation’s challenges ahead. This includes securing statutory status for the organisation and overseeing the merging of Rail North with Transport for the North as it is incorporated into the organisation.”

TfN is a public-private partnership at the forefront of shaping the future of transport in the North of England providing a collective civic and business voice for the region. Once it’s Strategic Transport Plan is adopted, anticipated to be in Spring 2018, this will inform the agendas of the Department for Transport, Highways England and Network Rail. Last week the organisation published the evidence that will inform this plan, evidenced as having the potential to create close to a million new jobs and add almost £100 billion to the UK’s economy.

For further information about the role and Transport for the North see: https://www.leadingnortherntransport.com/

 

ENDS

• Transport for the North is a partnership, bringing together local and combined authorities and business leaders from across the North with Central Government. This body allows the region to speak with one voice on the transport infrastructure investment needed to boost the North’s economy.
• In 2016, the Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review, commissioned by Transport for the North on behalf of Northern partners, demonstrated how unique capabilities which are present across the North could be harnessed to transform the region, adding almost £97billion to the UK economy and creating up to 850,000 jobs by 2050
• In February this year, the Independent International Connectivity Commission – formed by Transport for the North’s Chair, John Cridland, to offer an expert business view of the global connectivity needs of the North of England – found that improving international links with the North could see 75 million air passengers travelling to and from the region each year by 2050, nearly double the current number.  Also, by developing better road and rail links for the region’s ports, more freight could be being shipped directly into and out of the region.
• TfN is establishing itself as a leading edge organisation in preparation to become the first Sub-national Transport Body in England.