LONDON (Reuters) - Transport group National Express said its new chief executive, Dean Finch, would take up his new role on February 15, slightly earlier than expected.

Finch, who was announced as the new CEO in December, will move over from the London Underground contractor Tube Lines to take up the new role. He has also previously worked in senior roles at rival bus and rail operator FirstGroup .

National Express had previously said he would join in the Spring.

He will replace Richard Bowker who quit the company last July, sparking a six month hunt for new management.

(Reporting by Kate Holton; edited by Myles Neligan)

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