Outgoing Crossrail chief executive Andrew Wolstenholme will be joining the UK’s biggest defence contractor BAE Systems in a new role which will see him heading up the company’s submarine and naval ships programmes.

Wolstenholme, who will report directly to BAE chief executive Charles Woodburn, is set to start his new managing director role at the end of May. It comes after Crossrail announced his departure last week with him set to depart at the end of month following seven years service.

Commenting on the announcement, BAE chief executive Charles Woodburn said: “Andrew has a proven track record in leading major organisations and his diverse knowledge and business insight will complement the skills, talent and sector expertise within our maritime and land UK teams as they focus on delivering our commitments to our customers.” 

Wolstenholme brings a wealth of experience to BAE after delivering major engineering projects in the UK, Asia and North America, including the delivery of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5. His role as maritime and land boss for the firm will see him oversee business that includes warships, torpedoes and radars. 

His departure from Crossrail comes as the project fast approaches its scheduled completion date with trains set to start operating from Paddington to Abbey Wood in December. 

Crossrail’s chairman last week paid tribute to the role Wolstenholme had played in his time. Sir Terry Morgan said: "Andrew has overseen the project’s major construction phase including 42km of new tunnels, ten new stations and the installation of systems that will support the operation of the new railway. He has steered the project with a relentless focus on safety and in a way that delivers wider benefits to the UK in innovation, skills and environmental performance. Andrew leaves the team well placed to finish the remaining construction activity and commence infrastructure testing to finish the job, ahead of the opening of the Elizabeth line.”