California High-Speed Rail has a new Chief Executive Officer coming in to take charge of the project.
Last week the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Board of Directors appointed Ian Choudri as the next CEO.
The big picture: Choudri joins High-Speed Rail after working as the Senior Vice President for HNTB corporation.
- He has over three decades of experience in the transportation sector and has worked on high-speed rail projects in France and Spain.
- His work with HNTB included time spent in California to develop future connections between the Ontario Airport with the future Brightline West terminus in Rancho Cucamonga.
- Current CEO Brian Kelly announced his retirement in January, saying at the time that it was the right moment to transition the project to new leadership now that construction throughout the Central Valley is well underway.
What they’re saying: “I’m humbled by today’s Board of Directors decision,” Choudri said. “This is a once in a lifetime project that has the attention of the nation. I look forward to joining the ranks of the dedicated employees at the Authority, rolling up my sleeves and working collectively to make our mark on high-speed rail in California. Let’s keep building and get this done.”
- Gov. Gavin Newsom said Choudri’s experience and attitude are impressive.
- “Over the next few years, the dream of high-speed rail in California will become a reality, as we begin to lay track, design and build stations, and buy trains,” Newsom said. “Ian is the perfect steward for the next phase of high-speed rail. I want to thank Brian Kelly for his years of leadership on this project, and for bringing California closer to this dream reality.”
