Highways Agency Assign New Non-Executive Directors

Two leading transport industry experts have been appointed to the board of the Highways Agency as non-executive directors.

Elaine Holt and Tom Smith will provide valuable insight and leadership in helping the Highways Agency to maintain operate and improve England’s major roads as well as preparing for the biggest investment in the country’s road network for 40 years. Both take up their roles this month.

Elaine has spent almost ten years in the rail industry recently as CEO of Directly Operated Railways which was established by the Government to oversee the management and development of the East Coast rail franchise until it is re-let to a new private operator.

Tom has worked in the rail industry since 2001 and in 2009 became the Chairman of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC). He has previous experience in the roads sector as Managing Director of Midland Expressway Limited who manage and operate the M6 Toll.

Elaine and Tom will replace non-executive director Tim Walton who stepped down from the Highways Agency’s board at the end of 2013 at the end of his three year term.

The appointments were announced by Alan Cook Chairman of the Highways Agency. Alan said: “I’m delighted to have Elaine and Tom on board at such an exciting time. With the Agency moving to a government company their knowledge and expertise of the transport sector will be invaluable and I look forward to working with them through the transition. I would like to record my appreciation to Tim for his support throughout his term as non-executive director.”

Graham Dalton Chief Executive of the Highways Agency said: “I am looking forward to working with Tom and Elaine as they help steer us through a period of tremendous change.” The appointments will run for a period of two years with an option to extend.

Non-Executive Directors attend the Board Meetings held once a month and may also be invited to attend other meetings of the Board where their knowledge and experience outside the Agency add an external perspective to the Board’s considerations. In particular they will observe and advise on the standards of corporate governance operating within the Agency providing an independent viewpoint.