HS2 chief Kirby poached by Rolls-Royce

There was a fresh shake-up for Britain’s railways over the weekend, after it emerged that Simon Kirby is leaving HS2 Ltd - the company designing and building the next stage of Britain’s controversial high-speed railway network - to take up the post of chief operating officer at Rolls-Royce.

Kirby became chief executive of the non-departmental public body in May 2014, having previously served as managing director of Network Rail’s infrastructure projects arm.

“I am delighted that Simon Kirby will be joining Rolls-Royce,” said chief executive of the FTSE 100 firm, Warren East.

“His exceptional track record in delivering complex major programmes is highly relevant to Rolls-Royce and will strengthen management capability ahead of a period of significant expansion.”

East said the company is doubling its production of large civil aircraft engines and substantially growing its nuclear division, while at the same time driving a “transformation programme” that will make Rolls-Royce a more resilient and cash generative business.

“Achieving operational excellence across the group is essential and Simon has a critical role to play.”

The role of chief operating officer is a newly-created one, that will be responsible for the transformation strategy at Rolls-Royce.

“Rolls-Royce has built strong positions in global markets and has exceptional prospects for profitable growth,” Kirby commented.

“The ability to deliver major programmes on time and to budget is essential, and I am looking forward to bringing my experience to bear on these complex challenges and to leading the current programme of industrial transformation.”

Chairman of HS2, David Higgins, said he was delighted for both Kirby and Rolls-Royce that he has been appointed to this position.

“Whilst naturally we will miss his experience and leadership, I also recognise that he is joining a truly great, global company in an industry in which he has previously worked.

“In his two and half years with the company, Simon has used his vast experience to recruit and shape a world class team which over the coming years and decades will turn HS2 into a reality that will be of lasting benefit to this country.”

Higgins said the team will continue the process as it starts and complete the process of finding Kirby’s successor.

“I am also delighted to be able to announce today the appointment of Mel Ewel, formerly chief executive of Amey, as a Non Executive Director.

“His great experience in the construction industry speaks for itself, as does the huge respect in which he is held.”