Texas high-speed rail company names Keith CEO

Texas Central Railway, the private firm working on a high-speed rail line between Houston and Dallas, has named Tim Keith chief executive officer.

Keith will be responsible for leading all aspects of the system's finance, development, construction and operations. He'll also serve as the primary interface between internal operations and external stakeholders, Texas Central Railway officials said in a press release.

Keith has nearly 25 years of financial and operations experience in large real estate and infrastructure projects. He was previously the global CEO of RREEF/Deutsche Bank Infrastructure Investments, where he managed worldwide operations of the firm's infrastructure funds management business.

"Texans are ready for high-speed rail, and I’m excited to help lead and deliver this transformational project that will create new Texas jobs and provide an additional transportation solution between the two largest regions in Texas," Keith said.

Meanwhile, Texas Central Railway also announced the closing of a round of development funding that will generate $75 million in new capital from Texas-based investors.