National Infrastructure Commission appoints CEO

The Chancellor George Osborne has appointed Phil Graham as CEO of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC).

Mr Graham joins from the Department of Transport having previously worked on many of the UK’s major infrastructure projects including the high speed rail strategy, in addition to leading the team supporting Sir Howard Davies’ Airports Commission and working on the London Olympics.

The Chancellor said of the appointment: “I am delighted to appoint Phil Graham as CEO of the National Infrastructure Commission.

“The NIC will provide expert, independent advice to the government on the most pressing ‎infrastructure challenges facing the country. Phil’s role as CEO will be vital in overseeing this work.”

The Chancellor announced back in October the creation of the National Infrastructure Commission to give expert neutral analysis of the long-term infrastructure needs of the UK.

Since its formation, the commission has been working shadow form and has been chaired by the former Transport Secretary, Lord Adonis.

Supporting the appointment, Lord Adonis described Mr Graham as “supremely qualified”. He commented: “He has done brilliant work on a wide range of nationally significant projects from high speed rail to the London Olympics and most recently ‎as secretary of the Airports Commission.

“He is an excellent public servant and I am confident he will be superb in his new role.”

The commission will publish a National Infrastructure Assessment every Parliament, putting forward its analysis of the UK’s infrastructure needs over a 10 to 30 year horizon. The government will be required formally to respond to its recommendations.

The Chancellor has requested the commission to report on three initial projects before next year’s budget – Northern transport connectivity; Large-scale investment in London’s transport infrastructure, including Crossrail 2 and making sure investment in energy infrastructure is capable of meeting future demand in the most efficient manner.

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