People Moves: Infrastructure Client Group appoints new Chair to Steering Group

25/01/2021

Press Release - The Infrastructure Client Group has appointed Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2 Ltd, as the new Chair of its Steering Group. This follows the stepping down of current Chair, Jim O'Sullivan, who is leaving his role at Highways England later this month.

The Infrastructure Client Group (ICG) brings together the UK's most progressive, economic infrastructure clients in partnership with government and industry. It aims to drive improvement in the development and delivery of the UK's economic infrastructure, ensuring assets offer the greatest benefits for society. It focuses hard on how the UK can get best value from the infrastructure we use.

Comprised of CEOs from the major infrastructure clients, the ICG Steering Group provides direction and guidance to the Management Board, which connects to strategic industry initiatives, such as the Construction Leadership Council and the work of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority.

Mark Thurston has been involved with the ICG, through his role at HS2, for several years. On his new appointment, he said:

"I am delighted to take on this important role, working with the ICE and the leaders of other important infrastructure clients. At HS2 we have played an active role in many of the ICG initiatives and I look forward to continuing this.
"As the government sets out its agenda to 'build back better' in response to the pandemic, investment in infrastructure and the collective leadership of the ICG can make a significant contribution to the critical issues of levelling up our country, creating skilled jobs and driving towards a digital and low carbon economy."

Nirmal Kotecha, Director of Capital Programmes and Procurement at UK Power Networks, remains chair of the ICG Management Board, and also sits on the Steering Group. He commented:

"Despite an unprecedented year, the ICG continued to achieve success, most notably through further growth in the number of Project 13 adopters. I look forward to working with Mark to further our successes in increasing levels of understanding of industry best practice across infrastructure delivery.
"I also want to thank Jim O'Sullivan for his commitment and work for the industry over the years and wish him the best in his next endeavour."

Read more about the Infrastructure Client Group and their work here.