Peter Strachan, chief executive officer of TransLink Transit Authority in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, will leave that post in October to join the United Kingdom government as director-general in the Department of Transport. He will be responsible for major projects in London—including the 2012 Olympic Games next summer.

“It is a credit to Peter and a strong recognition of our public transport system that he has been appointed to such a senior role,” said Queensland Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“The Southeast Queensland public transport network and Translink’s achievements under Peter’s leadership have been recognized both nationally and internationally,” she continued, citing significant service and infrastructure upgrades and implementation of a five-year funding strategy. “However, perhaps his biggest achievement has been to lead a fully cohesive public transport network consisting of 20 service delivery partners and contractors.”