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California high-speed rail chief Ian Choudri resigns amid travel expense probe

Joe Stephenshaw will lead the agency as interim CEO after a watchdog found disallowed consultant travel reimbursements.

Updated Oct 30, 2026 · 02:24 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • Ian Choudri resigned late Wednesday as CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, citing personal and family priorities.[Associated Press]
  • Joe Stephenshaw, who leads the state Department of Finance, will take over, though one report describes his role as interim.[The Guardian · Associated Press]
  • An inspector general report found $543,000 in disallowed consultant travel reimbursements and $81,000 for trips lacking an official purpose.[The Guardian]
  • State investigators found consultants flew first class and visited a nightclub and cigar lounge on taxpayers' dime, sometimes at Choudri's request.[Associated Press]

Key facts

  • Ian Choudri resigned late Wednesday, saying he needed to focus on personal and family priorities.[Associated Press]
  • Joe Stephenshaw, director of the state Department of Finance, was named to replace Choudri.[Associated Press]
  • Joe Stephenshaw will serve as interim CEO of the rail authority.[The Guardian]
  • State investigators found rail agency consultants flew first class, hailed premium rides, and traveled to a nightclub, cigar lounge, and restaurants on taxpayers' dime.[Associated Press]
  • A September report by California's office of the inspector general found the rail authority paid $543,000 in travel-related consultant reimbursements that were not allowed.[The Guardian]
  • The rail authority paid $81,000 for consultant travel to places lacking an official purpose, including gyms, an escape room, and a nightclub.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • It is unclear whether Stephenshaw's role is permanent or interim; one report says he will replace Choudri, while another says he will serve as interim CEO.[The Guardian · Associated Press]
  • Choudri cited personal and family priorities, and reporting does not establish that the resignation resulted directly from the travel findings.[The Guardian · Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.