HS2 chair Sir David Higgins will begin another major role in January when be becomes the chair of Gatwick airport.
Sir David will become chairman of Gatwick Airport from 1 January 2017, replacing Sir Roy McNulty, who will remain on the board as deputy chairman.
Sir David is also a board member of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. He was chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority from 2005-2011 and chief executive of Network Rail from 2011-2014.
Sir Roy said: “I am delighted Sir David has accepted the appointment as the new chairman of Gatwick. We worked closely together for over five years at the Olympic Delivery Authority.
“He combines a first class intellect with the ability to give clear strategic direction and make things happen. He is exactly the right person to lead Gatwick through the next chapter in its development.
Sir David currently works three days a week at HS2 and will remain in his role until a replacement is found.
HS2 is also currently looking for a new chief executive after Simon Kirby left in September to join Rolls Royce.
Sir David said: “Whilst the case for Gatwick expansion in the future remains very strong, the challenge for Gatwick now is to continue to invest so it can maximise the use of its existing facilities and so can do even more for Britain in the coming years.
“I look forward to working closely with Stewart Wingate and the senior executive team. Their impressive track record to date provides a strong foundation for the future.”
