Ian Choudri appointed new CEO of California High-Speed Rail Authority

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has appointed Ian Choudri as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the state’s high-speed rail project, the board of directors announced on Tuesday. Choudri, who is currently a Senior Vice President at HNTB Corporation, brings over three decades of experience in the transportation sector, including significant work on high-speed rail projects in France and Spain.

Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed Choudri to his new role, highlighting the significance of this appointment at a pivotal stage in the project’s development. “Ian’s extensive experience and proven leadership in the transportation sector will be invaluable as we move forward with this transformative project,” said Newsom. “We are at a critical juncture, and Ian is the right person to guide us towards our goal of delivering high-speed rail service to California.”

Welcome Ian Choudri, @CaHSRA's new CEO!

With over 30 years of leadership experience in the transportation sector, Ian takes the helm at a transformational stage for California’s high-speed rail. We're making a cleaner transportation future a reality. https://t.co/dR1bseKJQe

— California Governor (@CAgovernor) August 8, 2024

Choudri’s extensive career spans over 30 years, including work on high-speed rail initiatives in France and Spain. One of his notable projects in California involved planning a future connection between Ontario Airport and the Brightline West terminus in Rancho Cucamonga.

Choudri expressed enthusiasm for his new role, describing the project as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” with national significance. “I look forward to joining the dedicated team at the authority, rolling up my sleeves, and collectively making our mark on high-speed rail in California,” he said.

The high-speed rail project, which aims to connect San Francisco to Los Angeles, has seen significant progress, with environmental clearance completed for 463 miles of the route. The project recently received $3.1 billion in federal grants, further advancing its goal of completing the Central Valley segment from Merced to Bakersfield by 2030.

Ray LaHood, Co-Chair of the US High-Speed Rail Coalition, emphasized the importance of Choudri’s leadership, stating, “Ian Choudri is the right executive at the right time to lead America’s most ambitious high-speed rail project as it advances toward initial operations.”

Choudri will replace outgoing CEO Brian Kelly, who announced his retirement after six years at the helm of the project. Under Kelly’s leadership, the project achieved several major milestones, including the completion of environmental clearances for the rail corridor from Los Angeles to San Francisco, the creation of nearly 14,000 construction jobs, and securing $3.3 billion in federal grants.

In his new role, Choudri will oversee the next phase of the project, which includes the construction of stations, the selection of trainsets, and the extension of the current 119 miles of track under construction to 171 miles of electrified high-speed rail from Merced to Bakersfield. The project is expected to deliver the nation’s first 220-mph rail system, connecting key regions across the state.

“I am honoured to take on this role at such an important time for the project,” Choudri said in a statement. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to a project that will transform transportation in California. I look forward to working with the dedicated team at the Authority to make high-speed rail a reality for our state.”

Choudri’s appointment comes as the project continues to make significant progress, with historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration and all environmental reviews from Los Angeles to the Bay Area now complete. The project is also expected to create thousands of new jobs and spur investment in local communities as it moves towards its goal of providing fast, efficient, and electrified passenger service across California.

Board Chairman Tom Richards expressed confidence in Choudri’s ability to lead the organisation during this critical phase. “Ian’s strong understanding of complex transportation projects and his commitment to innovation make him the ideal choice to lead the California High-Speed Rail Authority,” Richards said. “We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the progress that will be made under his leadership.”

Choudri’s extensive background in high-speed rail development includes experience in initial planning, stakeholder management, feasibility studies, construction, operations, and maintenance. His work at HNTB Corporation involved advising multiple rail, transit, and transportation agencies on navigating technical, regulatory, and financial challenges.

As California continues to advance its high-speed rail ambitions, Choudri’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the state’s vision of linking major urban areas with a fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation system.