Indian-origin man in top London transport job

A prominent figure among young members of the Conservative party, Kulveer Ranger, 33, contested the Makerfield, Wigan, election in 2005, but lost.

Ranger, son of Indian parents, was born and brought up in Middlesex. He says his parents worked hard and struggled throughout his formative years.

Explaining why he joined the Conservative Party he says: "I haven't always been Conservative but I always felt I didn't believe in a socialist ideology. I feel that the Conservatives believe in freedom of speech, advancing opportunity and maximising people's potential."

Ranger was the lead delivery manager of the Oystercard for London in 2003 that enables people to travel across London's various transport systems.

He also led commercial negotiations on behalf of the Secretary of State supporting the redevelopment at the King's Cross railway station.

Kulveer will lead on policy direction for Transport, on behalf of the Mayor. He will also oversee the relationship between the Greater London Authority and Transport for London to ensure the delivery of the Mayor's priorities, a release from the mayor's office said.

"I am delighted to be able to announce Kulveer as my Director for Transport Policy. He has vast experience in delivering large projects with multiple stakeholders in both public and private sector, and has a reputation as a terrific motivator and a leader with ceaseless energy," Johnson said.

Johnson hoped Ranger would be able to use his experience in delivering the Oystercard in London to help him deliver his key transport commitments including implementing interactive bus tracking and re-phasing London's traffic lights, among others.

Ranger has recently delivered a series of cooling solution packages within a short timeframe for the London Underground and has led a strategic review of major projects being delivered in Scotland, including the Edinburgh Tram Project, the Edinburgh Airport Rail Link and Glasgow Airport Rail Link.

Ranger has been an advisor to Shadow Secretary of State for the Dept of Trade & Industry and is currently Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party.