Sir David Higgins opens Network Rail Consulting's Australian office

Australian-born Sir David Higgins, Chief Executive of Network Rail, the owner and operator of Britain’s railway infrastructure, officially opened the Australian office of its consultancy business, Network Rail Consulting, in front of over 100 people at a breakfast prior to day two of Ausrail.

Network Rail Consulting has recently been appointed to oversee safety during the construction and delivery of the A$8.3 billion North West Rail Link in Sydney. The set up of its Australian office follows the opening of offices in the USA.

Sir David was knighted primarily for his work as Chief Executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority which delivered the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on time and under budget. Sir David has been Chief Executive of Network Rail since February 2011 and has been appointed as the chair of HS2 Ltd, the organisation responsible for building the UK’s new high speed rail network.

Also present at the event was:

• Howard Collins, CEO of Sydney Trains, previously Chief Operating Officer of London Underground
• Nick McInnes, British Consul General and Director-General of UK Trade & Investment in Australia and New Zealand
• Nigel Ash, Managing Director, Network Rail Consulting
• Peter Koning, General Manager, Network Rail Consulting, Australia & New Zealand.