East West Railway Firm interim chief government Beth West is to face down on the finish of Might after her contract expires.

West (pictured), a former HS2 industrial director and Balfour Beatty regional managing director, joined the shopper delivering the East West Rail (EWR) Oxford-to-Cambridge railway challenge in 2022.

West stated she had determined the time was proper to depart on the finish of her contract, having put the challenge on a agency footing.

“Once I began at EWR Co, it wasn’t even clear if authorities would again the challenge,” she stated. “We now have clear authorities assist [and] an actual give attention to what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and who we’re constructing it for.

“As the corporate strikes into a brand new part, I’ve mirrored that now could be the time for me to maneuver on, with EWR Co prepared for the longer term, whereas I’m prepared for a brand new problem.”

The primary stage of statutory session for the challenge will open in the summertime.

Rail minister Huw Merriman stated: “Beth has been instrumental in bringing recent perspective to East West Rail – a significant challenge that can rework rail journeys for thousands and thousands of individuals between Oxford and Cambridge.

“Beth has overseen vital developments throughout her time as CEO and rightly saved the communities this railway will serve on the coronary heart of the challenge all through. 

“I thank Beth for offering such a significant contribution over the previous two years and want her all the most effective for the longer term.”

West will proceed as interim CEO till Might and can then “proceed to be accessible to assist the transition” course of for the brand new chief government till the tip of July.

West left Balfour Beatty in January 2021 after a 12 months on the firm. She has additionally held roles at Landsec and Transport for London, in addition to performing as industrial director on HS2 and as head of economic for Thames Tideway.