She will join in February 2019 and will be immediately involved in the shortlisting of the Heathrow innovation partners – companies who are pitching to help deliver the third runway.

She will also take charge of procurement, contracts and cost and joins at a key time ahead of the airport sharing the preferred masterplan for public consultation next year.

Prior to joining KPMG five years ago, she worked at both Mott MacDonald and Turner & Townsend in their infrastructure divisions.

Houghton has advised on several high profile infrastructure projects including Heathrow Terminal 5, the East London Line Extension and the London 2012 Olympics.

She said: “Heathrow expansion is a once in a lifetime opportunity to revolutionise the UK’s infrastructure and construction sectors and I’m excited to be a part of it.

“I have spent the past 15 years developing my expertise in how the best client, consultant and contractor relationships work and I look forward to joining expert teams to create a world class expanded airport.  Having started my career at Terminal 5 I am delighted to be returning to Heathrow.”