Mark Wild, Crossrail chief executive, will leave once the line opens in June
(Picture: Getty Images)A reshuffle at the top of Transport for London will see a long-serving executive depart and the chief executive of Crossrail leave once the line opens.
Details emerged on Wednesday afternoon of changes instigated by TfL commissioner Andy Byford as he sought to streamline the cash-strapped organisation, prepare it for future challenges and the post-pandemic recovery and boost staff morale.
Vernon Everitt, who was TfL’s pandemic “recovery” director and previously held a key role in preparing for the 2012 Olympics, will leave after 14 years.
It was also confirmed that Mark Wild, the former Tube boss who became Crossrail chief executive, will leave once the line opens – which it is due to do by the end of June.
Mr Wild was the highest earner in TfL last year, taking home almost £450,000 as he battled to keep Crossrail’s construction on track during the pandemic.
Earlier this month it was confirmed that TfL’s chief finance officer Simon Kilonback, a key figure in negotiating TfL’s Government bail-outs, is to leave in April.
Mr Byford is reducing the size of his executive team from 11 to seven members, with the changes effective from February 1.
Three or four of the seven will receive pay rises – with details to be published in due course – but the overall wage bill will reduce.
Gareth Powell, currently in charge of surface transport, is the biggest winner, becoming chief customer and strategy officer and deputy TfL commissioner, the first person to hold the latter role. His task will be to ensure TfL serves the needs of passengers.
He will also continue to oversee cycle lanes and the “active streets” portfolio that aims to encourage walking and cycling and discourage car journeys.
Rachel McLean, currently Crossrail chief finance officer, will replace Mr Kilonback as TfL’s finance chief, initially on an interim basis.
Stuart Harvey, who has overseen projects such as the Northern line extension to Battersea, is appointed to the new post of chief capital officer.
Tube managing director Andy Lord becomes chief operating officer, facing the huge challenge of overseeing the entire bus, Tube and rail network – including Crossrail when it becomes the Elizabeth line.
Howard Carter remains general counsel, Tricia Wright remains chief people officer and Lilli Matson chief safety, health and environment officer.
Matt Brown, TfL’s director of communications, will also attend the executive meetings and continue as a key aide to Mr Byford.
Mr Byford said his aim was to ensure passengers had the same high quality journey regardless of whether they are travelling by Tube, bus or train.
He gave the example of Stratford station, where passengers interchange between Tube, bus, Overground, DLR and national rail services.
“We want to offer the same excellent customer service,” he said. “Customers shouldn’t be sent from one person to another.”
Mr Everitt, dubbed “Big V” by insiders, who previously worked at the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority, will leave TfL “shortly” after 14 years of “exemplary” service, TfL said.
He was latterly managing director for customers, communications & technology, and established an internship scheme to promote diversity in TfL’s press office in memory of former press chief Stuart Ross, who died from cancer six years ago aged 42. Mr Everitt will be “pursuing fresh challenges”.
Mr Byford said: “Vernon has played an integral role in the development of this organisation and in steering us through some of the most significant challenges we have ever faced.
“His achievements in communications, open data, ticketing and customer information have been both innovative and important. He has forged highly effective working relationships with a huge range of businesses, politicians, customer advocates and other stakeholders, and has played a vital role in driving us forward on equality, diversity and inclusion.
“This has earned him the reputation as one of the most respected, innovative and effective public executives in the country. His contribution has been outstanding and I – and the whole of TfL – thank him for everything he has done.”
