HS2 Ltd has welcomed a new non-executive director to its board as the project to build Britain’s new high speed rail network moves towards construction.

Roger Mountford has been appointed by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

Roger is a former member of the Board of the Civil Aviation Authority as well as Chair of The Housing Finance Corporation, which raises long term funds to finance social housing.

He is currently Chairman of HgCapital trust plc, an independent trustee of several pension schemes, and a member of the Council of the London School of Economics.

Commenting, HS2 Ltd Chairman David Higgins said:

HS2 will soon become one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects and we need Board Members who understand the complex technical, financial and community background to the project. Roger has the experience we need and I am delighted to welcome him to the Board.

Reacting to his appointment, Roger Mountford said:

HS2 promises to transform long distance rail travel and provide a powerful catalyst to British industry and the northern economy. I am delighted to take up this new position on HS2 Ltd’s Board as we start to move towards construction in two years time.