Mr Zuk, originally a contract lawyer at the Boston firm of Gadsby Hannah LLP joins LU following a distinguished career managing multi-billion pound construction and IT contracts. He takes up his post on September 14, 2004.

Welcoming the appointment, LU Managing Director, Tim O'Toole said: "London Underground is responsible for managing the delivery of contracts worth billions of pounds. We have a great and important task ahead of us in ensuring that they deliver what's promised - a renewed and revitalised Tube network, fit for the 21st Century. All of London wants us to succeed.

"I welcome Peter to London Underground, as he is undoubtedly one of the most experienced in his field worldwide. I'm sure that, like me, he's looking forward to the challenges ahead."

New LU Chief Programmes Officer, Peter Zuk said: "I'm delighted to join London Underground, the world's oldest metro system and one with huge potential. I'll be working to make sure we can unlock that potential.

"I'll be focused on ensuring that the PPP and PFI contracts, and the private firms doing the work, deliver what's promised. In short, I want to see the contracts deliver for Tube passengers and for London." ends