Ashley Steel has been appointed as independent non-executive director of National Express, the transport operator said on Wednesday.

Steel, who will join the company on 1 January next year and will also be a member of the safety and environment and audit committees, has held the role of vice chairman at KPMG and is currently non-executive director of the Civil Aviation Authority and serves on the International Business Advisory Board at British Airways.

"Ashley has a distinguished track record of advising companies across a range of sectors, including transport, and we will benefit from her knowledge and experience," said group chairman Sir John Armitt.

"I look forward to working with her."

National Express shares were down 1.55% to 316.80p at 0819 GMT on Wednesday.

Source: Sharecast