FORMER ScotRail managing director Mary Grant has been appointed chief executive of Porterbrook, the rail leasing company.

Ms Grant, who has also held senior roles at FirstGroup, National Express and Eurostar International, will succeed Paul Francis when she joins the company and its board on September 13. Mr Francis, who has been with Porterbrook for more than 20 years, is to retire.

Ms Grant said: “It is an exciting time to be joining Porterbrook and I look forward to working with the chairman, board, shareholders and employees to create a new vision for the company”.