Neil Scales is to leave his job as chief executive and director general of Merseytravel after almost 15 years with the organisation.

He is to become chief executive of TransLink, the public transport authority in Brisbane, Australia, and takes up his new post in March.

Mr Scales said: “It was a hard decision to make and one I spent some considerable time agonising over but I have received an offer which was too difficult to refuse.

“For me this is a challenge to make a real difference on the other side of the world and an opportunity of a once-in-a lifetime experience ‘down under’ ”.

In a message to Merseytravel staff he said: “I know I leave Merseytravel in good shape to face the future and I am proud of what we have achieved together.

“There is much I will miss, in particular the tremendous support I have received from you all during my time here. I truly thank you for your loyalty and hard work and wish you all every success in the future.”

Councillor Mark Dowd, chairman of Merseytravel, said: “I have worked with Neil Scales for fifteen years, and he has been a massive asset to Merseytravel and Merseyside.

“His expertise is not only known and appreciated here, but obviously overseas too, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to further his career.

“He will be missed professionally, but it is also a great personal loss to me as both a friend and chairman, and to the organisation as a whole.”