National Infrastructure Commission welcomes Sir John Armitt as new Chair
The Chancellor has appointed Sir John Armitt as the new Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission.
Sir John Armitt has today (18 January 2018) been appointed the permanent Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), where he will provide strategic advice to ensure the UK has the long-term infrastructure it needs to thrive.
Having served as a Commissioner since the NIC was established in 2015 and last year being appointed Deputy Chair, Sir John Armitt is a familiar face to the Commission.
With a background in engineering, Sir John Armitt’s expertise in infrastructure and major project delivery is extensive.
He has a proven track record of working at the forefront of UK infrastructure in positions that included the Chief Executive of Network Rail, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, where he played a key role in coordinating the 2012 London Olympics.
He was awarded a CBE in 1996 for his contribution to the rail industry and a knighthood in 2012 for his work in engineering and construction.
Announcing the appointment, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, said:
Boosting productivity is essential to sustaining real wage growth. And investing in infrastructure is one of the keys to raising our productivity performance.
The National Infrastructure Commission’s expertise is vital for ensuring the UK’s infrastructure is fit for the future. Sir John Armitt brings years of experience of UK infrastructure. With him at the helm, I am confident we will develop a strategic and ambitious infrastructure plan that supports economic growth for decades to come.
Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission Sir John Armitt said:
I’m delighted to have been appointed as the Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission as we prepare for the publication of our first National Infrastructure Assessment later this year.
Making the right choices about planning and investing in infrastructure is critical to the UK’s prosperity and quality of life. I want the Commission to remain focused on tackling the long-term issues of congestion, capacity and carbon – and to continue to hold the government to account where decisive action is needed – so we can secure the improvements that companies, communities and families need.
I look forward to working with my fellow Commissioners and listening to our stakeholders as we set out the way forward for the UK’s infrastructure.
Replacing Lord Adonis who resigned from the position at the end of last year, Sir John Armitt takes charge of the NIC’s exciting programme of work, with the first ever National Infrastructure Assessment due out this summer. The assessment will take a long-term view of Britain’s infrastructure needs and make recommendations to the government on how best to meet them.
Further information
First set up in 2015 and established permanently in January 2017, the NIC is an executive agency which helps plan, prioritise and ensure efficient investment in Britain’s infrastructure. It provides government with strategic thinking to address the UK’s long term infrastructure needs.