Chartered Civil Engineer Richard Pearson has been appointed as the new Director of Highways, succeeding Bruce Hannay, who will retire from the post following this year’s TT festival after 19 years with the Department of Transport.

Richard is moving to the Island with his family and will join the newly-formed Department of Infrastructure early next month to allow for a handover period.

Originally from Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, Richard has spent most of his career in London, serving in both local

government and private consultancy positions.

"I am conscious that I have some big shoes to fill in taking over from Bruce," said Richard.

"The knowledge and expertise he has brought to the post during his time with the Department will, of course, be sorely missed, but the Highways Division has a strong team ethos which should ensure a smooth transition when Bruce retires.

"My priorities will be to get to know the people, my new colleagues and the Island and to build on what has already been achieved. 

"In terms of the operation, the priorities will be to keep traffic flowing and efficiently maintaining safe roads, with some upgrading and enhancement where funds allow.

"Ultimately, it is about serving the Island’s people to the best of my ability and encouraging the Highways team to shine and flourish."

Richard, 45, is married with three children.  After starting his engineering career investigating building defects and personal injury incidents, Richard moved into voluntary work looking after refugees fleeing Pol Pot in South East Asia, before returning to the UK to join Enfield Council’s highways team.

After 12 years, he had achieved a variety of professional and management qualifications and was responsible for all highway projects, including the reconstruction of a large, run-down industrial estate in the area.

He then moved to Camden Council, where he set up the Camden Consultancy Service.  In a varied role, one of his tasks was to project manage the cycling programme across Greater London, while another saw him overseeing the maintenance and improvement of the main routes in the central area of the capital.

During this time, he led Camden to the National Transport Consultancy of the Year award.  Richard joins the Department of Infrastructure from his current role at Atkins Ltd, Europe’s largest private engineering consultancy, where he has

been managing the London office, with his staff deployed on Cross Rail, the Olympics and bus routes within the capital.

Minister for Transport David Anderson MHK said, "We believe that Richard’s extensive knowledge of the industry and best practice, combined with his strong management skills and our existing team, will serve the Island well in the coming years.

"It is a challenging time to be joining the Department, given the financial issues of the last six months and into the coming years.

"The Highways Division is, of course, one of the most high-profile, not just within the Department, but across Government. It is encouraging that we have been able to attract someone of Richard’s calibre to the post and I’m sure he will meet whatever challenges come his way head on."

Bruce Hannay said, "I’d like to offer Richard my congratulations on his appointment, and wish him all the best for the future.

"He joins us at a time of change, not just for the Department with the move to 'Infrastructure', but for the Director of Highways’ post itself, given the significant budget cuts for the year ahead that will obviously affect the Highways Division.

"Richard will need to take all of this on board – and I’m sure he has the necessary skills and experience to do just that."

Richard is looking forward to getting to know both the Island and its people.  He said, "So far, everyone I’ve met seems a potential friend, and I’m very impressed at the order and the quality of the place and the people. 

"First impressions are that the Island is a magical place, of considerable natural beauty, which has a strong reputation.

"Everyone I have spoken to in making the decision to move has spoken positively about the Island.  I’m looking forward to settling in, and would like to thank those who have helped me so far, including removal companies, estate agents and colleagues in making the move possible.

"The Department has a highly capable management team and I am looking forward to taking my place amongst them."