Struggling transport group National Express has appointed a new chief executive.

The Edgbaston-based firm has announced that Dean Finch, who currently heads up the Tube Lines private finance initiative, which is responsible for maintaining part of the London Underground system, will take over the reins in spring 2010.

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, National Express described Mr Finch as “one of Britain’s most experienced transport professionals”.

Before joining Tube Lines, he worked for more than 10 years in senior roles within FirstGroup, and was managing director of the rail division between 2000 and 2004, before being made group finance director and later group chief operating officer.

John Devaney, executive chairman of National Express said: “I am delighted to welcome Dean to National Express. His extensive experience of the transport sector, in Europe and North America as well as the UK makes him uniquely qualified to run a business of this scope and scale. He has a proven track record of improving operational performance and delivering financial success in bus, coach and rail businesses.

“Now the group has completed its recent rights issue, the Group’s strategy is to focus on delivering excellence from its existing operations and Dean is ideally placed to provide the necessary insight and leadership to our experienced management team.”

Mr Finch added: “National Express is a leading international transport company and it operates a series of first class businesses in Britain, Spain and North America. I am looking forward to strengthening all parts of the group, fostering a culture of operational excellence enabling us to deliver real shareholder value.”