Sponsored by
Richard Pearson unveiled as new highways boss
THE new man in charge of the Isle of Man's roads has been revealed.
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 after 19 years with the Department of Transport.
Mr Pearson, 45, 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 Mr Pearson.
'The knowledge and expertise he has brought to the post will, of course, be sorely missed, but the highways division has a strong team ethos which should ensure a smooth transition when Bruce retires.'
He added: '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.'
Mr Pearson is married to Joanne. The couple, who will live near Ramsey, have three children, Rebecca, eight, Matthew, seven and five-year-old Mark.
After starting his engineering career investigating building defects and personal injury incidents, Mr Pearson 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. He later moved to Camden Council. One of his roles saw him project manage a cycling programme across Greater London.
When he arrives, Mr Pearson's job will be at the new Department of Infrastructure, arriving from his current position at private engineering consultancy Atkins, which is involved in bus routes in London and working on preparations for the Olympics.
Transport Minister 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.
Meanwhile, Mr Hannay, often the target of motorists' spleen when they encounter road works or traffic congestion, said: 'I'd like to offer Richard my congratulations on his appointment, and wish him all the best for the future.'
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Send your comments to newsviews@newsiom.co.im
YOUR COMMENTS
Whatever happened to local jobs for local people? Are the DOT really saying that there is no one already in the division capable of fulfilling the role, what about the assistant director of Highways? Doesn't say much for trying to get on in Gov and get promotion does it??? Also even though he is going to be on a very handsome wage how much has the Government given him of Tax Payer's money to relocate to the Island? Maybe someone higher up in Gov can come on and give this information?
TAX PAYER
I am sure Mr Pearson is amply qualified at his job and wish him well at his new position, but are we saying that within the DOT or DOi, bearing in mind Mr Hannays retirement is not really a bolt from the blue, there is no other suitable candidate that could have been trained up to head this division! I am all for new blood introduced into the dinosaur that is IOM Gov. but in these troubled times I find it amazing that there is obviously no-one suitably able to take over that is local. Is this a further insight into the quality of our current public bodies! Anyway, good luck Mr P, plenty of potholes to fix and no cash, your first connundrum! Perhaps one of those 140k lorries that does it all in one go and take half hour to do it.
TTTASH
Thank heavens they didn't promote from within otherwise it would have been the same old same old. Hopefully Mr Pearson will be able to introduce a new work ethic within his Department and get things done more efficiently and therfore much quickly. I wish him the best of luck as I fear he is going to need it.
GEOFF, Douglas
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Isle of Man
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
