A new leader has been appointed for the body tasked with improving transport systems across the North.
Transport for the North (TfN) has appointed Martin Tugwell as its new chief executive, following an announcement that current leader Barry White is stepping down next month.
Mr Tugwell is currently programme director at England’s Economic Heartland, which has won significant transport funding for the area around Oxford and Cambridge. He is also the current president of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation.
He will join TfN at a time when Northern leaders are complaining that the organisation’s budget has been cut and significant transport projects in the area have been either downgraded or cancelled.
Mr Tugwell said: “It’s an honour to take up leadership of Transport for the North at this critical moment for the levelling-up agenda.
“I’ve always been a passionate advocate for the ability of better transport connections to change lives and create more opportunities. That belief is the central mission of Transport for the North, one that’s more important today than ever.
“I can’t wait to work with the North’s ambitious leaders to drive real change in the region, making transport more accessible, inclusive and sustainable for future generations.”
TfN chairman John Cridland said: “This is a crucial leadership role for the North of England and Martin fits the bill. His extensive professional experience coupled with his drive to make tomorrow better than today means he’s perfectly placed to lead TfN.
“He’ll work with our board to take on the immediate challenges and opportunities facing the North and continue the great work TfN has consistently delivered since it was established.”
TfN’s current Northern Powerhouse Rail director Tim Wood will act as interim chief executive until Mr Tugwell officially joins in the summer.
