As the new rail sector director, Mr Holmes will be an integral part of the Transport Infrastructure Executive Team. With a clear strategic focus for the future development of the rail business, James will be focused on working with clients and supply chain to safely deliver investment in the UK’s rail infrastructure and transform services aligned to the outcomes of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail.

He will also be focused on embedding the progressive people culture throughout the Rail team to enable people and teams to excel.

For the past six years, James was operations director at Skanska, leading a portfolio of contracts across the rail and water sectors. With a strong focus on looking after people and safety, James also held board responsibility for ethics and a prominent role in the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Governance Team creating an environment where all employees had a voice to make a difference and were empowered to speak up to look after the people around them.

Peter Anderson, managing director of Transport Infrastructure, said: “I’m delighted James is joining Amey and my Executive team, at an exciting time for the business and for the future of the UK’s rail infrastructure investment and development. We have a strong forward pipeline and an ambitious plan grounded in our unique ability to integrate our in-house consultants and expert operational teams. This combined knowledge enables us to provide intelligent, whole-life solutions for our clients and customers.”

With 20 years experience in infrastructure, James has worked across the energy, highways and rail sectors bringing his knowledge of each industry to benefit another. James has led teams involved in complex infrastructure construction as well as others delivering essential maintenance for clients across the UK. Additionally, work winning has been a core part of James’ career building Skanska’s portfolio of projects across the country.

James Holmes added: “Infrastructure is the backbone of communities – helping people get to work, see friends and family and live happy, healthy lives. Leading teams to excel in everything they do is critical for a business to operate safely and reach its maximum potential. I’m looking forward to joining Amey and working with the 900-strong Rail team to build on our reputation of reliable performance delivering essential infrastructure projects.

“I’m also keen to meet our clients, understand their needs and ensure the work we undertake leaves a positive legacy on the communities we operate in, the customers whose journeys we improve and the vital role we play in helping the economy to grow.”