The former group CEO of the parent company of train firm Southeastern has been named the next chairman of the firm behind the high-speed rail link.

Keith Ludeman has been appointed to the board of HS1 Ltd as chairman designate and non-executive director. He will succeed Rob Holden as chairman in September.

He was, up until 2010, group CEO of the Go-Ahead Group which operates a number of bus and rail franchises across the country - as well as playing a key role in introducing Southeastern high-speed services to the High Speed 1 route.

He was also a non-executive director of Network Rail, which handles rail infrastructure.

HS1 Ltd has a 30-year contract to operate and manage the high-speed rail route between London and Kent and the international stations on the route - including Ebbsfleet and Ashford.

Mr Ludeman said: “I am honoured to take up this role and to succeed Rob as chairman. High Speed 1 has never been more popular, with strong demand for Southeastern high speed services, and new international routes just launched with Eurostar. I am looking forward to working with the board to guide the company through the next phase of development of this vital UK asset.”

Rob Holden, the out-going chairman, added: “Stepping down from my role at HS1 will bring to an end my 22 year association with the UK’s first high-speed railway.

"From 1996, when the railway was known as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, and was a paper design, I have been privileged to lead great teams of people through construction, commissioning, the royal opening in 2007 and operation. With HS1 celebrating a decade of successful operations and with the 150th anniversary of St Pancras Station, HS1 Ltd is in a position of great strength."