The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of engineering firm Amey, Mel Ewell, has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the board of HS2 Ltd.

Having led Amey for 15 years, Mr Ewell has vast experience in the infrastructure and transport industry.

The decision to appoint Mr Ewell by Secretary of State Chris Grayling comes as HS2 starts preparing to build the £42.6 billion high speed rail network.

HS2 Ltd Chairman David Higgins said: "I am delighted to welcome Mel to the HS2 Ltd Board. HS2 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform Britain's infrastructure and rebalance the UK economy.

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"We are looking for leaders with experience of large and complex construction challenges to advise our work, and Mel certainly fits that description. He transformed Amey into one of the UK's most successful engineering and infrastructure companies, and HS2 will certainly benefit from his considerable industry knowledge."

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Elwell added: "As well as the benefits of improved connectivity and capacity, the skills and knowledge gained through delivering HS2 will make Britain a world leader in infrastructure projects."

Royal Assent for the London to Birmingham leg of the project is expected by the end of 2016 and construction is set to begin in 2017.

(LM/CD)