Ruud will join from Abellio’s Greater Anglia franchise, where he is currently Managing Director. He has previously held Engineering Director positions at Northern Rail and NedRailways, as well as being a former chair of the Railway Industry Supplier Approval Scheme.

The appointment comes as Keolis continues to expand its UK management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Alistair Gordon, with the COO position a newly created role within its executive structure.

In August, the company appointed David Lowrie as its Chief Financial Officer, another newly created executive role.

Alistair Gordon, CEO, Keolis UK, said: “Ruud will bring significant experience in UK franchise and rail operations into our business, and will provide additional strength and depth to our team at a key time for us, as we focus on our on-going strategy for growth.

“His appointment reflects our ambitions in the UK market as well as the importance of the UK globally to the wider Keolis group.”