The Canal and River Trust has appointed Richard Parry to succeed Robin Evans as chief executive.

Evans is stepping down at the end of this month and Parry, who is currently director of the UK rail division at FirstGroup, will take up the role in the summer.

On his appointment Parry said: “I am really excited to be joining the Canal and River Trust at such an important phase in the future of the nation’s magnificent waterways. The scale of opportunity is huge as what we and our supporters do in the next five years will help shape the waterways for the next century.”

He lead FirstGroup’s bid for the InterCity West Coast line. In August 2012 FirstGroup was announced as the winning bidder but the decision was reversed due to irregularities in the bidding process and Virgin awarded an extension to March 2013 and then to April 2017.  

Before joining FirstGroup in 2012, he spent 19 years at London Underground and Transport for London in a range of senior roles which included 18 months as deputy managing director of TfL Rail and Underground (2010-2011).

He is also trustee of People 1st – the sector skills council for hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism.

Tony Hales, chairman of the Canal and River Trust said: “I’m very pleased that Richard is moving from rail to water recognising the renaissance that has seen our canals and rivers come to life and the opportunity we have t give them a bright future.”