Mr Oakervee has had a long and distinguished career in civil engineering, with significant experience of working on major infrastructure projects.
His new role mirrors that which he performed for the Crossrail project, taking it through the planning process as executive chairman of Crossrail Ltd between 2005 and 2009. Previously he delivered one of the world’s biggest civil engineering works, as project director on the Chek Lap Kok international airport, with responsibility for planning, design procurement and construction.
At HS2, Mr Oakervee's primary responsibilities will be formulating the board's strategy, encouraging high standards of regularity and propriety, and selling the scheme to the public.
The appointment is for an initial period of three to five years, but could be extended to a maximum of 10 years. He will be paid in the range of £120,000 to £140,000, and will be expected to spend at least two days per week in the office.
Mr Oakervee said: "I am excited about my appointment and passionate about the development of UK’s high-speed rail network and HS2 is a great step forward. I believe that HS2 offers a unique chance to address the capacity issues facing the British transport network and to promote growth in our major cities. I will use my experience of the hybrid bill process at Crossrail to ensure that HS2 Ltd is best able to efficiently navigate this stage of the project."
Transport secretary Justine Greening said: "HS2 is a railway which will transform the economic shape of the UK, so finding the right person for this role is vital. I am delighted that Doug has agreed to take on this important position, bringing with him decades of experience of working on major infrastructure projects. The next few years include a number of key challenges and milestones for this project and Doug's input will be invaluable as we move forward. I would also like to thank the current chair, Brian Briscoe, for his invaluable work in leading HS2 Ltd this far."
Mr Oakervee is a past president of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the ICE was quick to back its own man. Director general Nick Baveystock said: "We are delighted to see such a prominent civil engineer and past ICE President, take the HS2 reins. Doug’s experience in delivering infrastructure projects of this scale all over the world and his respect across Government and industry, make him a sound choice to steer this project through these important, early stages and beyond.”
Mr Oakervee is also on the advisory board of the Association for Consultancy & Engineering whose chief executive, Nelson Ogunshakin, was equally enthusiastic. “I am delighted that Doug Oakervee will play a pivotal role in High Speed Two. He is a man of great stature, experience and integrity,” said Mr Ogunshakin. “His track record makes him the ideal person to lead this vital project, one which has vast potential for economic and social regeneration. He has consistently delivered significant infrastructure programmes that have a transformational effect, both in the UK and globally.”
Mr Oakervee is also president of construction industry charity The Lighthouse Club.
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