Mott MacDonald has appointed Liz King as managing director of its India business leading a team of 1200 people across the transportation, industry, water, environment, education and health setors. 

Government has announced the Project Leadership Programme, the next phase of the government's approach to improving the skills and capabilities of civil servants who work on important government projects. The Major Projects Authority will manage the programme. Senior leaders who work on the top 200 major projects across government are already eligible to attend the award-winning Major Projects Leadership Academy. The new programme is for those who work on important projects which fall just outside this portfolio.

Michael Cassidy has been announced as chairman designate of the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation. Cassidy is chairman of the City of London Property Investment Board. 

Two new rail appointments to report: Network Rail has hired Phil Hufton, London Underground’s chief operating officer, to take over from Robin Gisby as managing director of network operations. Gisby has decided to leave next year. And former Olympic Delivery Authority deputy director of transport Sue Kershaw is CH2MHill’s new director of rail for Europe.