LCR chief in line to head Crossrail project

Mark Bayley is among those thought to be on the longlist to replace Rob Holden as chief executive of Crossrail, according to The Observer. The paper reports that Bayley, who is current chief executive of London and Continental Railways, is joined on the list by Andrew Mitchell who was formerly programme director on the Thameslink rail project.

Other contenders believed to be in the frame include Howard Shiplee, director of construction at the Olympic Delivery Authority; Tony Douglas, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Ports; Ian Galloway, director at CLM; and Allie MacAdam, an internal Crossrail candidate with responsibility for central tunneling and stations.

Rob Holden was previously chief executive with LCR before stepping down in 2009 to head Crossrail.

Mark Bayley helped to save the High Speed One project as LCR finance director before heading up the organisation following Rob Holden’s departure.

The £15bn Crossrail project is currently in the early days of construction with works set to expand next year. Once complete a new rail link will connect Maidenhead in the west with Canary Wharf and Shenfield in the east.

Over 21km of tunnels will be bored and 12 new stations built – eight underground and four overground.