Stagecoach Group announced today (March 21, 2017) that Robert Montgomery, Managing Director of UK Bus, will leave the Group next month after 15 years with the business.
Mark Threapleton, currently Managing Director of Stagecoach London, will become Managing Director for Stagecoach’s bus operations in England and Wales.
Robert Andrew, currently Regional Director for Scotland, will become Managing Director for Scotland.
Both roles will report directly to Group Chief Executive, Martin Griffiths.
Robert Montgomery joined Stagecoach in 2002 as Service Development Director of the UK Bus Division and was part of the team which delivered a decade of consistent passenger growth and financial success. He was appointed Deputy Managing Director in May 2012 and, subsequently, Managing Director in May 2013.
Since 2013, Robert has helped deliver the Group’s wider strategy on harnessing digital technology to make bus travel easier for customers, as well as continuing the company’s track record of innovation with the launch of new urban express and high frequency minibus services.
Robert has supported industry efforts to push for action on congestion and air quality, as well as promoting the benefits of the commercial bus model. He has also overseen the development of a pipeline of new talent through the successful Stagecoach UK Bus graduate recruitment programme.
Martin Griffiths, Group Chief Executive of Stagecoach, said: “I’d like to thank Bob for the contribution he has made to the business over the past 15 years and most recently in heading our UK Bus division.
“We have led the sector in delivering new digital tools for our customers, from smart ticketing and contactless travel to a new website and smartphone app, as well as offering the best value bus travel in Britain. This means our buses are well positioned to help government address the challenges of increasing road congestion and worsening air quality caused by too many cars in our towns and cities.”
Robert Montgomery said: “It has been a privilege, a challenge and enormous fun working for Stagecoach for the last 15 years. I’ve worked alongside a host of talented and committed people, delivering good quality bus services in a dynamic commercial environment. I wish Stagecoach well and also look forward to new adventures elsewhere.”
Welcoming the new appointments, Martin Griffiths added: “We have a talented team of experienced and very capable managers across the Group. These changes will ensure we continue to be well placed to manage the changing environment for public transport, and deliver on our programme of investment in improvements for our customers and our people.
“Mark has over 40 years’ experience in the public transport sector and is one of the most respected managers in the industry. Most recently, he has been responsible for the very successful management of the Group’s London bus business and building a strong working relationship with Transport for London. Mark was previously the Managing Director of the Group’s largest regional bus business in Manchester, overseeing a period of consistently strong growth.
“Robert Andrew is part of the senior leadership team. He brings over 30 years’ experience to the role, including extensive engagement with stakeholders across Scotland. Robert has held a number of senior positions across our UK Bus businesses and is well placed to address the issues and opportunities in the Scottish bus industry.”
