Howard Smith to join Crossrail

London Rail’s chief operating officer Howard Smith has been appointed by Crossrail to oversee the project’s operational strategy.

Smith, who will become Crossrail’s operations director on March 25, has led the £1 billion East London Line extension project as well as the development, launch and operation of London Overground and management of its operating concession.

The new role will see Smith become responsible for leading the development of Crossrail’s operational and customer service strategy, defining the structure of the new railway’s operating and maintenance organisations as well as leading on the arrangements for the future Crossrail operating concession.

Andrew Wolstenholme, Crossrail chief executive, said: “Howard Smith has significant and diverse railway experience having overseen the creation of London Overground and worked on DLR, national rail, London Underground and the successful 2012 Games.

“His knowledge of railway operations and the delivery of high-quality rail services in London and the southeast is unrivalled.”

Howard Smith will report jointly to Crossrail chief executive Andrew Wolstenholme and London Underground and rail managing director Mike Brown.