Kirby worked at HS2 for three years before leaving to join Rolls Royce where he was chief operating officer for 19 months before exiting in a big business streamlining operation.

Before HS2, Kirby worked at Network Rail for 11 years, the latter two as managing director of infrastructure projects.

Kirby said: “Nichols is an industry leading strategic consultancy supporting clients on many iconic projects across the world. I am very proud to join Nichols at an exciting time when they are growing and building a stronger reputation for meeting customer demands”

He will be working with former HS2 programme development director, who returned to work with Nichols as a partner after over two years on the rail project.

Nichols has a long legacy of providing strategic advice and delivery leadership to government and major infrastructure clients.

It is presently managing a sounding for the Western Rail link to Heathrow, aiming to harness the expertise of investors and local partners regarding the feasibility of delivery through a Public Private Partnership.