Network Rail has announced Dave Hooper as managing director for its southern region.

Mr Hooper will join on May 1, replacing Ellie Burrows, who will move to the eastern region.

Dave Hooper said: "I’m exhilarated to be joining the Network Rail Executive Leadership team at such an exciting time for the UK’s railway. I look forward to working together as one team, with the teams across Network Rail and with our wider industry partners, to improve the service offering for our passengers and freight customers."

Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said: "I’m extremely pleased that Dave will be joining our team. He brings exceptionally broad rail experience at an exciting time for the sector."

The southern region covers 544 stations from Devon to Kent, handling around 700 million passenger journeys annually.

Mr Hooper, currently director of major programmes at Siemens Mobility, has extensive rail sector leadership experience, including roles at Osborne, Transport for London, and Serco Rail operations.