Bowker will provide strategic advice to EC Harris’s infrastructure clients, with a particular focus on the rail sector in the UK and Middle East.

Her brings 24 years’ experience in the rail industry, most recently as chief executive of Etihad Rail in the UAE.

In the UK, he held senior positions as chairman and chief executive of the Strategic Rail Authority, chief executive of the National Express Group and commercial director at Virgin Group.

The UK has an infrastructure pipeline of over £310bn, much of it relating to major programmes in rail, highways, nuclear and offshore wind, whilst the Middle East has a predicted infrastructure spend of more than $1trillion over the next ten years as these nations develop at an unprecedented pace.

Mat Riley, Head of Infrastructure, Industry and Utilities at EC Harris said: “Whether it is the replacement of the UK’s ageing infrastructure, or the rapid development of new infrastructure in the Middle East, clients face significant challenges to maximise the benefits arising from their investments.

“Richard is unique in that he brings experience from both regions to our team, and I am confident our clients will see huge benefit from his insight and knowledge.”