Douglas Oakervee OBE, Executive Chairman of Crossrail has announced that Rob Holden CBE, the current Chief Executive of London and Continental Railways will become Crossrail's Chief Executive with effect from 1 April 2009.

As announced on 17 November 2008, Mr Oakervee will move across to take up the new post of Non-Executive Chairman when Mr Holden joins Crossrail. Mr Oakervee will remain in post until Terry Morgan CBE takes over as Crossrail Chairman later in the year.

Following Parliamentary approval of the Crossrail Act in July, the status of Cross London Rail Links Limited (CLRL) has changed from that of a planning and promotional organisation to the delivery agent for this vital new railway.

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Mr Oakervee said: "Rob Holden's appointment is good news for Crossrail and a further significant step for the project. Rob brings exceptional experience in delivering major projects, most recently with High Speed One. I am delighted that Rob will be at the helm as Crossrail moves into the critical construction and delivery phase of the project.

"Crossrail is a massive project and one that brings enormous benefits for London, the South East and the whole of the UK. It will deliver fast and frequent services across the Capital, linking the important business hubs of Heathrow, the West End, City and Canary Wharf. When it opens in 2017 Crossrail will provide an additional 10 per cent to London's rail-based public transport capacity. I am very excited to be joining the project. I am looking forward to working firstly with Doug and then Terry and all the Crossrail team in delivering this world class railway."

(CD/JM)