Mark Wild will join Crossrail as CEO from 19 November. He joins from London Underground, where he has served as managing director since June 2016.
He will return to his role at London Underground once the Elizabeth line has opened through central London. He will initially work alongside Simon Wright, who will step down as CEO of Crossrail later this year.
Wright said: "Everyone involved in the project is fully focused on ensuring the Elizabeth line is completed as quickly as possible. With the construction phase due to come to an end later this year, the major focus for Crossrail will be the integration of the complex railway systems and the start of full-time testing."
While Wild is at Crossrail, London Underground director of network operations Nigel Holness will step up to the role of managing director. Holness will take up his position of deputy chief executive for Metro Trains Sydney at a later date.
An interim financing package between the government and the Mayor of London was recently confirmed, which will enable Crossrail to continue its construction work.
Prior to joining London Underground, Wild served as a special advisor to the Government of Victoria. Previously, he had been CEO of Public Transport Victoria.