Tube Lines announces Dean Finch as new boss

Tube Lines has appointed Dean Finch as chief executive. He takes over from Terry Morgan who is leaving after seven years in the job.

Morgan is to become non-executive chairman of Crossrail.

Finch joins Tube Lines from First Group where he has been chief operating officer.

Professor David Begg, chairman of Tube Lines, said: “During his time at First Group he has gained an extensive background in railway operations as well as strong financial and commercial experience.

Finch joins Tube Lines 5 May.

Finch said “The Tube Lines’ brand is well regarded. The company is reliably delivering vital work upgrading the infrastructure on one of the world’s major metro systems.

“The PPP provides a mechanism for delivering the necessary investment and upgrades.”

Finch added that he will “lead and develop Tube Lines as it prepares for the second Review Period.”

Morgan said: “I have enjoyed my time at Tube Lines. I wish Dean all the best for what will be a challenging but enjoyable role.”

Finch became First Group’s finance director in 2004 and in January 2009 moved up to the post of chief operating officer with responsibility for the North America businesses.

At Tube Lines, under Terry’s seven-year leadership, delays across the three lines have been reduced by 50% while the Northern line – often seen as the misery line in the past – has seen reliability improve by 65% making it the best performing line across the entire network.

All major upgrade work has so far been delivered on time and within budget.

The costs of station upgrades and track replacement programmes have been cut by over 50% and 40% respectively.

The consortium has upgraded 67 stations, 100km of track and 70 escalators.

Eight stations have been made step free.

Tube Lines is currently working on delivering the largest project to be delivered under the PPP – namely the signalling upgrade on the Jubilee line which is on target to be completed by the end of 2009.