THE man who will head the company running commuter trains in Kent and Medway has been named by the Strategic Rail Authority.

He is Nick Newton, who becomes chairman of South Eastern Trains, the SRA company set up to take over Connex South Eastern's franchise on January 1.

He is currently managing director of SRA Operations, and will additionally become Deputy Chief Executive of the rail authority, responsible for the SRA's corporate functions such as business planning and human resources.

Nicola Shaw, currently chief operating officer, succeeds him as managing director, operations. She will take over his current responsibilities for franchise management, replacement and operational performance.

They are among a series of senior management changes announced by SRA chairman Richard Bowker.

He said: "These changes reflect the priorities we face over the next twelve months: improving industry delivery to customers, managing the transition from Connex on the South Eastern franchise and making a powerful case for rail to government, passengers and taxpayers".