Deputy chief executive Keith Berryman steps into the breach - permanent CEO to be appointed at a later date.

Cross London Rail Links has appointed deputy chief executive Keith Berryman acting chief executive of the organisation.

Berryman was acting CEO of Crossrail when the project was launched in 2001. CLRL intends to appoint a permanent chief executive at a later date.

Berryman is currently head of operations and development at Crossrail, responsible for all Crossrail engineering operations. He will continue in this role while he is acting chief executive. He is one of the UK's most experienced transport infrastructure engineers.

Berryman said that he would push ahead to ensure success of the project. He said: “We continue on our way, having passed the crucial Second Reading stage of the Crossrail Bill in parliament, and are dealing with the public, stakeholders and others concerning the design of the railway.”

CLRL has also appointed Martin Buck as commercial manager, responsible for funding and finance, and also for procurement and the management of works and agreements with contractors. Buck has come from Partnerships UK, a PPP organisation jointly owned by the Treasury and the private sector.