Declan Collier has been appointed as the new chair of the independent body which monitors the strategic roads network in England.
Mr Collier will take over the role at the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) from Stephen Glaister, who leaves after three years in the post, on 1 January 2019.
The ORR is the UK’s independent rail regulator and strategic roads monitor for England. Accountable to Parliament, it protects the interests of rail and road customers through its regulation of the performance and value for money of the rail and road networks.
Declan Collier has recently stepped down as CEO of London City Airport, a role which he held since 2012. Prior to that he was CEO of Dublin Airports Authority for seven years. Mr Collier is currently a non-executive board member of The Royal Schiphol Group and TCR International NV.
Chris Grayling, transport secretary, says Mr Collier demonstrated an outstanding range of skills and a distinguished record in delivering for transport users following a high-flying career in aviation.
Chris Grayling said: “The ORR performs an important role as the rail regulator and roads monitor for England and I look forward to Declan Collier taking up this position.
“Declan brings a wealth of transport sector knowledge, and I am confident he will be able tackle the diverse range of issues that the regulator covers.
“I would like to thank Stephen Glaister for his work, he has played a distinguished role as Chair, bringing important leadership during the 2018 periodic review process.”
Stephen Glaister, who is also a former director of the RAC Foundation, said: “It has been a pleasure and privilege to steer ORR as chair over the last three years.
“We have matured our monitoring of Highways England as the company has progressed from its new beginnings.
“I am pleased to welcome Declan at this important time for both rail and road. His background will bring significant experience to the organisation and ensure we remain a strong, independent economic and safety regulator that protects the interests of passengers, freight customers, road users and taxpayers.”
Following standard parliamentary procedures for a public appointment, the Transport Select Committee will hold a public scrutiny hearing with Mr Collier later this year. The final decision on the appointment will be subject to the outcome of that hearing and he is expected to start work as chair on 1 January 2019.
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