Robinson joins from AECOM where he was Chief Executive of Civil Infrastructure in Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.

HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, Mark Thurston, said: “I am delighted to welcome Richard to the team at HS2. He joins us at an exciting time and brings wide-ranging experience of complex infrastructure projects and extensive management skills.

“Richard’s appointment will enhance our leadership team at this important time, as the project picks up pace and we begin to deliver lasting economic benefits across the UK.”

At AECOM Robinson led the growth of the Civil Infrastructure business, first as Managing Director and then Chief Executive, leading 8000 people across four regions and a range of infrastructure projects.

Robinson said: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at HS2 Ltd. Working on Europe’s largest infrastructure programme is an exciting prospect and I look forward to playing my part in a project that will leave a significant legacy here in the UK.

Michael Bradley is also joining the company as Chief Financial Officer.

He joins from Defence Equipment and Support, an arms-length body of the Ministry of Defence, where he is CFO and Director General Resources, and has been Acting CEO since December 2017.

AECOM has promoted transport managing director Colin Wood to fill the vacancy left by Robinson’s departure.