James Blake appointed as KCRC's acting chief executive

Updated at 5.30pm: Former KCRC senior director James Blake will serve as the rail operator's acting chief executive to replace Samuel Lai Man-hay, transport chief Sarah Liao Sau-tung announced on Thursday.

Mr Blake's appointment came a few hours after Mr Lai resigned from the post on Thursday.

The Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation has been troubled by a heated management feud involving Mr Lai and chairman Michael Tien-Puk-sun.

Ms Liao told reporters Mr Blake had in principle agreed to take up the job as acting chief executive upon invitation by the KCRC managing board.

Mr Blake was the secretary for works from 1991 to 1995. He had overseen construction works for the Hong Kong International Airport during his office.

He also worked as a senior director with the KCRC between 1997 and 2004.