Atkins’ UK chief executive has been appointed as the new chairman of the Railway Industry Association (RIA).
David Tonkin will now lead the RIA council, which is made up of senior representatives of the member companies and directs the activities of the association.
Tonkin takes over from Colin Walton, formerly chairman and chief country representative of Bombardier Transportation, UK and Ireland.
Before being appointed as Atkins’ chief executive, Tonkin was managing director of the company’s rail division, during which time it delivered signalling projects on the West Coast Main Line, Port Talbot and the North London Rail Infrastructure Project, as well as winning tunnelling design contracts for Crossrail as part of a joint venture with Arup.
Mr Tonkin said: “Governments around the world continue to invest in infrastructure as a means of driving economic growth.
“With its ability to provide safe, reliable, fast and green links between cities and regions, rail remains a high priority for many of them. As pioneers of train travel, UK companies can provide valuable skills and experience to support the enhancement and growth of the railway worldwide.“
