Transport for London (TfL) has appointed Gareth Powell, currently director of public transport and TfL strategy, as managing director, surface transport.

Powell joined TfL in 2003 in business improvement and performance, coming to the organisation from multi-national design, engineering and project management consultancy Atkins.

He held a number of roles in group business planning and performance before moving to co-lead the re-organisation of many parts of TfL.

Powell went on to join London Underground as director of strategy and service development before his most recent post .

London’s Transport Commissioner Mike Brown said: “Gareth has held key roles at Transport for London for many years. He will bring great drive, energy and experience to the vital work of delivering the Mayor’s transport strategy and making London a safer, greener, fairer and more accessible place.

“I congratulate him and also give my best wishes to Leon Daniels, who is leaving TfL after nearly seven years as the managing director of surface transport."

Powell takes up his new role with immediate effect.