Southern Rail boss given top job at leading rail project

Dyan Crowther will take up the running of the HS1 project as its new chief executive, with ex-London Underground executive Nick Brown taking on her current job at Govia Thameslink.

In a statement she said: ‘I am delighted to be taking on this role.

‘High Speed 1 is the UK’s only high speed line which has transformed rail travel through Kent and into the continent.

‘Its growth and performance in the last nine years are testament to its success and I look forward to leading the business and helping continue this success for customers and passengers alike.’

Govia Thameslink has been widely criticised for its running of Southern Rail, with recent figures finding that only 73 per cent of trains owned by the company ran on time last year.

Workers from the RMT Union have also announced 14 strike dates before the end of this year because of a safety dispute.

HS1 has not released details of Ms Crowther’s new salary, although the Metro reported unions had said she would be earning ‘a lot of dosh’.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said her appointment raised ‘serious union concerns about the company objectives going forwards.’

He added: ‘The union will be seeking assurances that this move does not represent a threat to our members jobs, working conditions and the safety regime on the international high speed services.’