Transport for the North starts search for new chief executive
Transport for the North (TfN) has begun its search for a new chief executive, following the announcement last month that chief executive David Brown is to leave the organisation in September to take up the post of managing director of Arriva Rail North, operator of the Northern rail franchise.
TfN is set to become the first statutory sub-national transport body in England with a remit to develop a strategic transport plan to prioritise infrastructure investment in the north and drive economic growth. On securing its statutory status, Rail North, the organisation which manages the Northern and TransPennine rail franchises in partnership with the Department for Transport, will be brought into TfN.
John Cridland, chair of TfN, 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, which is now equipped with the skills, expertise and shared enthusiasm to achieve the organisation’s vision.
“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.”
Cridland said that TfN was looking for a candidate who will be able to secure influence across the stakeholder community by creating a sense of shared vision and common goals. “It will be an opportunity for the successful candidate to make a lasting impression on the economy of the North of England through the ideas and energy they bring,” Cridland said.
TfN is a public-private partnership setting the transport investment priorities for the north. With a board of elected leaders and local enterprise partnership chairs it incorporates the cities, wider regional towns and rural areas across the region to drive better connectivity, improve opportunities and drive economic growth.