Renowned transport specialist Leon Daniels OBE will be taking on the role of chairman of the National Transport Trust at the beginning of May.

Mr Daniels is also a founding member of the Highways Sector Council and has over 30 years of experience working in the transport sector, including seven years as managing director (MD) of Capital Citybus, 13 years as the commercial director for UK bus at FirstGroup and over six years as MD of surface transport for Transport for London (TfL).

Most recently, he has spent the time following his retirement from TfL in 2017 advising the Government, other agencies and companies such as Thames Clippers, RATPDEV and First.

Mr Daniels is taking the reins from Stuart Wilkinson, who held the post for 19 years.

Commenting on the appointment, National Transport Trust president, Lady Judy McAlpine, said: ‘We are delighted that Leon has agreed to come aboard to chair our organisation going forward. Over the course of a distinguished career in transport, he has consistently delivered at the highest level, within both the private and public sectors. His experience, combined with his in-depth expertise and knowledge make him the ideal choice for the role.

‘I would also like to pay tribute to Stuart, who has been an absolute stalwart of the Trust throughout his long tenancy of the Chair. On behalf of all our members and supporters nationwide I would like to welcome Leon into the fold and thank Stuart for his outstanding contribution over many years – I wish them both all the very best along the road which lies ahead.'

Mr Wilkinson oversaw the trust's growth and development, as well as the organisation's transition from the Transport Trust to the National Transport Trust.

Mr Daniels added: ‘It is a great privilege to be invited to take up the reins of the National Transport Trust, which has played an active part in promoting and preserving our nation's transport heritage for more than 60 years. I am very much looking forward to working with the team, learning more about the important work they do, and developing and enacting a plan which will take the organisation forward as it looks to the future and its next 60 years!'