Derby train-maker Bombardier has appointed a new managing director.

Richard Hunter will take over the role from Noel Travers who has been in post for a year as interim managing director.

Mr Hunter, who will also assume the role of head of projects for Bombardier Transportation UK, is currently the firm's president for the Asia Pacific region, where he is responsible for the company's rolling stock and services businesses across Asia and Australia.

Based at Bombardier's Litchurch Lane factory in Derby, he will take up his new role from October 1.

Mr Travers, who took over from Frances Paonessa after he moved to Network Rail, will remain in post until Mr Hunter takes over. He will then take up a position elsewhere in the business.

In a statement, Bombardier said: "This appointment reinforces Bombardier's focus and commitment towards building a sustainable business within the UK market and further strengthens its current leadership team to ensure the continuing success of Bombardier's local business.

"Throughout the last year Noel has held the interim managing director position and under his leadership Bombardier has further strengthened relationships both with key stakeholders and clients, alongside demonstrating ongoing dedication to our UK market, local community and employees."

Bombardier's Litchurch Lane site is currently busy delivering the Crossrail contract - a £1 billion deal for 65 trains, which it secured in February last year.

The firm is currently building a £12.5 million production, testing and office complex, specifically for the Crossrail contract.

There has been further good news for Bombardier this summer.

It recently secured a £358 million contract to supply more trains to London.

It has been selected by Transport for London to build at least 45 more trains for the London Overground.

The contract to build the trains is thought to be worth around £260 million.

Each of the 45 trains will be four carriages long – making 180 carriages in total.

Bombardier has also signed a 35-year train services agreement, worth £98 million, providing maintenance for the new vehicles.

Mr Hunter started his career at London Underground in 1989, later joining the Land Transport Authority of Singapore in 1996, where he held various roles project managing the delivery of new rapid transit systems.

He then joined Bombardier in 2004 as engineering director for the company's London Underground projects.

From 2005 onwards, he held several positions as senior director in project management before becoming vice-president and head of Bombardier's Asia Pacific Rail Control Solutions division in 2008.

He was made president of the Asia Pacific region in 2013.

In his new role, Mr Hunter will report directly to Per Allmer, president of Bombardier's Western Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Mr Allmer said: "There is a great deal of activity in the UK market at the present time, including our recent major contract with Transport for London to supply new Bombardier Aventra trains for Overground and West Anglia Metro services.

"I'm delighted to welcome Richard to his new role as UK managing director.

"I also take this opportunity to thank Noel Travers for his dedication to the UK market over the past year. The importance of his continued support cannot be understated."

Source: DerbyTelegraph