OXFORD University has appointed Dr David Prout to be in charge of annual spending totalling more than £1.3bn.

Dr Prout is currently Director General of the Government’s High Speed 2 rail programme and has extensive experience of project management and policy-making in central and local government.

As Pro-Vice-Chancellor he will lead Oxford’s institutional and strategic planning.

Dr Prout, who grew up in Oxford, will guide the development of new academic buildings, the purchase of advanced equipment and the modernisation of existing facilities.

Key projects will range from much-needed housing for graduates and staff to a new humanities building.

Dr Prout said: “I’m looking forward to working with the academic community, colleges and University Administration Services to help make the best university in the world even better.”

Dr Prout, who studied history at Wadham College, will start the rtole in September.