High Speed Rail Group appoints ex-HS1 Chief as Chair

Dyan Perry OBE has been appointed as the new Chair of the High Speed Rail Group (HSRG). In the newly created role, HSRG says that Perry will offer an "independent, trusted and informed perspective and support the board of directors to shape the group’s future strategic direction."

Perry joins HSRG with a wealth of expertise having been CEO of HS1 Ltd and COO of Govia Thameslink Railway, in addition to working at Network Rail for a number of years. Perry also currently serves as Chair for NSAR and as a Non-Executive Director for the East West Railway Company.

Read again: HS1's outgoing CEO: the challenges facing Britain’s railway.

HSRG says that its 'core aim remains the same' – to create a rail network that 'empowers people, businesses and communities to thrive'.

Commenting on the appointment, Perry said: “High speed rail is about more than quicker journey times. Its development stimulates economic activity by creating jobs and encouraging private investment in related industries like technology, urban development and logistics, and as such is an important driver of regional and national economic growth.”