Mitchell is the current major programme director with Network Rail’s Thameslink programme.

He will take over from Dr Graham Plant, interim programme director, later on in the year.

The Crossrail programme director is responsible for ensuring that the Crossrail programme partner and project delivery partner deliver the Crossrail scheme on time and on budget. The programme director will deputise for the chief executive when required and will serve as one of three executive directors on the Crossrail Board.