London City Airport boss Robert Sinclair is to swap planes for trains, having been named as the new CEO of the HS1 rail line between St. Pancras and the Channel Tunnel.
Sinclair will become HS1’s boss in March, replacing Dyan Perry, who is set to retire. He will be tasked with attracting more international travellers to the UK on what is currently the country’s only high-speed rail line.
The New Zealander joined City Airport in 2017, leading it through the pandemic era when global air travel collapsed.
Sinclair said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new CEO of HS1. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to lead Britain’s only high-speed railway at a time when more and more people are looking to travel between London and destinations across Europe using the high-speed rail network.
“I am looking forward to working with the excellent team at HS1, along with train operators, business partners and stakeholders to grow high-speed rail services, provide more choice for passengers and build on HS1’s great work to further improve the customer experience.”
Keith Ludeman, chair of HS1 Ltd, said: “We’re excited to announce Robert’s appointment as CEO of HS1 Ltd following a rigorous recruitment process. Robert’s vast experience in the transport sector – including working for one of the most recognisable transport hubs in London – makes him ideally placed to help HS1 on its exciting journey of growth.”
The board of London City Airport will begin a search for a new CEO.
Its chair Rob Holden said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Robert for his hard work and commitment in leading London City over the past six years and we wish him well in his new role at HS1.”
Holden is also set to leave his role at the start of next month, having served his two terms. The airport revealed today that existing director Mel Ewell will take over as chair.
