Industry veteran Oakervee takes up the reigns on the project next month.

Previously between 2005 and 2009 he was Executive Chairman of Crossrail Ltd during the project’s Hybrid Bill phase.

He has also been a Project Director at Chek Lap Kok International Airport in Hong Kong, with responsibility for planning, design procurement and construction.

He is also a non-executive director of Laing O’Rourke.

The appointment is for a period of 3-5 years with a maximum possible contract extension of ten years.

Oakervee will be paid up to £140,000 a year and be expected to spend at least two days per week in HS2 Ltd’s offices in central London.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: “HS2 is a railway which will transform the economic shape of the UK, so finding the right person for this role is vital.

“I am delighted that Doug has agreed to take on this important position, bringing with him decades of experience of working on major infrastructure projects.

“The next few years include a number of key challenges and milestones for this project and Doug’s input will be invaluable as we move forward. I would also like to thank the current Chair, Brian Briscoe, for his invaluable work in leading HS2 Ltd this far.”

Oakervee said: “I am excited about my appointment and passionate about the development of UK’s high-speed rail network and HS2 is a great step forward.

“I believe that HS2 offers a unique chance to address the capacity issues facing the British transport network and to promote growth in our major cities.

“I will use my experience of the Hybrid Bill process at Crossrail to ensure that HS2 Ltd is best able to efficiently navigate this stage of the project.”