Mr Higgins, who is currently chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), will take up his new position on 1 February 2011. Mr Higgins is currently a non-executive director of Network Rail, a role he will continue until he starts as chief executive.

Before joining the ODA, Mr Higgins was the chief executive of Lend Lease, an international property and construction company from 1995 to 2002 before joining English Partnerships as chief executive (2003-05).
In the interim period prior to Mr Higgins start date and following the departure of Iain Coucher, Peter Henderson will take on the role of acting chief executive. Peter Henderson is currently Director, Asset Management.

(Source: Network Rail)