Train operator c2c has appointed a new engineering director.

Dan Barrett will be responsible for the National Express company’s ongoing £12million fleet refurbishment programme, projects such as the introduction of onboard wifi, and the procurement of 17 new trains from 2019.

He is joining from train manufacturer Hitachi Rail Europe, where he was the deputy head of engineering, and worked on the UK’s fastest trains, the 140mph “Javelin” services that run on the high speed link from Kent to London.

Managing director Julian Drury said: “Dan joins us at an exciting time for c2c.

“We have already started the refurbishment of our current fleet to make our trains lighter, brighter and more comfortable for passengers, and our major upgrade for 2016 will be the introduction of free onboard wifi.

“Dan will also be leading our work to purchase 17 new trains for c2c – an increase of over 20% on the current fleet.

“'As well as welcoming Dan I would like to say a really huge thanks to our interim engineering director, Ian Papworth.

“His hard work and support has been invaluable, especially the way he managed the start of our fleet refurbishment programme.''