The MTR Corporation will split the roles of its chairman and chief executive post.

The move will be made after Chairman and Chief Executive Jack So's contract expires in September.

The corporation will then have a non-executive chairman and a chief executive officer.

The corporation will proceed with a worldwide search to tap local and international talent in selecting the right candidate for chief executive officer post.

The Government, which is the majority shareholder of the corporation, will make the non-executive chairman appointment.