The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) has appointed Jon Loveday as its new director of infrastructure, enterprise and growth.

Loveday will start his role from early August, leading the team which lies at the heart of the government’s ambitious infrastructure agenda to level up and decarbonise the economy – and the key role will see him engage with some of the most important and challenging projects and programmes, including HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail, and the construction of new nuclear & nuclear decommissioning programme.

With over 30 years experience in the infrastructure sector, Loveday will now oversee the continuously evolving portfolio of the government’s most complex and high risk infrastructure projects – and his appointment was announced on the same day that MPs warned that a dash to ‘level up’ risked wasting billions of pounds and leaving a legacy of white elephants without a culture change in the handling of major projects.

A chartered surveyor, Loveday spent the early part of his career delivering major infrastructure projects, before going on to lead major businesses for two of the fastest growing infrastructure PLCs in the UK.

As the executive commercial & transformation director at Thames Water, he developed and led the multi-year alliance strategy across the infrastructure and technology programmes. Most recently he held the role of chief commercial officer for the Clancy Group.

Nick Smallwood, IPA chief executive and head of the project delivery function, said: “We must consistently deliver our major projects successfully to help rebuild our economy and transform our infrastructure. I’m pleased to welcome Jon to the IPA, who brings with him a wealth of experience from the infrastructure sector. I’m sure Jon will play a major role as we move forward supporting the government’s ambitious agenda.”

Jon Loveday looked forward to his new role and said: “I am delighted to be joining the IPA at such an important time. Our ability to deliver world leading infrastructure is at the heart of the UK government’s planned infrastructure revolution and we have a lead role to play in kick starting the economy.”