HS1 Ltd appoints London City Airport chief as new CEO
HS1 Ltd has today announced CEO of London City Airport, Robert Sinclair, as the company’s new CEO as it continues the growth of the UK’s only high-speed and international rail line.
Mr Sinclair, who has led London City Airport over the last six years, will take up his role as CEO in March 2024. He will replace Dyan Perry (neé Crowther) OBE, who has taken the decision to retire towards the end of the year, after seven years running HS1 and 37 years working in the rail sector.
Robert Sinclair’s appointment follows an extensive search process and comes when HS1 is actively working to grow traffic and international rail travel from the UK, boosting benefits for passengers and businesses travelling to the continent.
Mr Sinclair comes to the role with broad experience in legal and banking professional services in addition to extensive experience in the transport sector. He joins HS1 with a track record of fostering growth in transport hubs at an exciting time for the company.
HS1 holds the concession from the UK Government to run the High Speed 1 line between St. Pancras International and the Channel Tunnel.
Keith Ludeman, Chair of HS1 Ltd, said: “We’re excited to announce Robert’s appointment as CEO of HS1 Ltd following a rigorous recruitment process. Robert’s vast experience in the transport sector – including working for one of the most recognisable transport hubs in London – makes him ideally placed to help HS1 on its exciting journey of growth.
“As we welcome Robert, I’d also like to give sincere thanks to Dyan for her work and contribution to HS1 over the past years – simply, without her leadership and vision, HS1 would not be where it is today.”
Robert Sinclair, incoming CEO of HS1 Ltd, said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new CEO of HS1. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to lead Britain’s only high-speed railway at a time when more and more people are looking to travel between London and destinations across Europe using the high-speed rail network.
“I am looking forward to working with the excellent team at HS1, along with train operators, business partners and stakeholders to grow high-speed rail services, provide more choice for passengers and build on HS1’s great work to further improve the customer experience.”
Dyan Perry OBE, outgoing CEO of HS1 Ltd, said: “It has been a privilege to lead HS1 over the last seven years. HS1 is filled with talented, dedicated and hard-working professionals, and I want to thank each of them for their contribution during my time as Chief Executive.
“After 37 years in the rail sector, the time has come for me to retire and move on to the next chapter of my life. As I leave the industry, I also wish to thank everyone that I have worked with over the years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career and will forever be proud of what has been achieved.
“I know that as I leave HS1, we have a great organisation that is ready to embrace the opportunities ahead after navigating through the pandemic and the recovery from it.
“I wish Robert every success during his time leading this fantastic organisation.”