Phil Verster, Network Rail’s Route Managing Director for London North East, has been appointed MD for the planned ScotRail/Network Rail Alliance in Scotland.

The announcement was made on March 25, eight days after current First ScotRail MD Steve Montgomery had been announced as ScotRail’s new MD.

Abellio is due to take over the SR franchise from FirstGroup on April 1.

Montgomery will lead the new franchise in its initial period of operations. RAIL understands he will leave his position in mid-May.

Verster will be released from his current role to work with Abellio’s mobilisation and transition team, the ScotRail leadership team and NR, to plan and organise the alliance transition arrangements.

NR said in a statement that the quick release “is a clear indication of the determination of both companies to set in place the formal alliance structure at the earliest opportunity”.