ED THOMAS is KPMG’s UK head of transport with immediate effect, replacing James Stamp who moved to National Express plc as commercial director.

Ed Thomas joined KPMG as a graduate in 1995 and was promoted to partner in 2013. He has been central to KPMG’s transport advisory business since he joined.

Specialising in rail, he has led both policy reviews for Government and bidding engagements for the private sector in the UK. With a wide international grasp of the sector, Ed has also led rail projects in North America and Southeast Asia. Beyond rail, he advises public sector transport authorities on the funding of new infrastructure.

In his new role, Ed has been tasked to lead the transport practice to become the number one transport advisor in transformation, capital delivery and technological change.

KPMG UK head of Government and Infrastructure Kru Desai said: “Ed has outstanding credentials and leadership qualities to lead our transport practice. He is passionate about our people, and in particular their skills and development, and is a great advocate for the financial and professional services community at large.

“I know that he will lead the practice with drive and enthusiasm, building on the success we have achieved in recent years.”

Thomas added: “I am very proud to have been appointed as the new head of transport and I am excited to get started. Transport has always been an important sector for the firm. We have market-leading advisory businesses around rail franchising, infrastructure projects and logistics and post, as well as thriving audit and tax practices.

“My priorities over the coming months will be to ensure that we continue to deliver best-in-class services to our clients, while maintaining a keen focus on developing the skills of our people, ensuring we can recruit and retain the very best talent.”