Wrightbus has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer. Jean-Marc Gales has spent over 30 years in the automotive industry and brings a wealth of technical, engineering, commercial and sales experience as a senior executive, most recently serving as Chairman of Williams Advanced Engineering before its sale to Fortescue Future Industries. In his long career, Jean-Marc also led the successful turnaround of Lotus as CEO.
He was also CEO of Peugeot and Citroen, where he delivered a new product portfolio, and of CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers. Jean-Marc is a board member of EuroGroup Laminations, and joins Wrightbus at what the company calls an exciting time, with numerous recent orders for its electric and hydrogen powered buses and plans to develop a green hydrogen production facility at its Ballymena headquarters.
Jean-Marc said: “I am delighted to be joining Wrightbus and look forward to building on the considerable success the company has recently achieved in the zero-emissions sector. Wrightbus is leading the way in technological advances in hydrogen fuel cell buses, and has developed world-leading efficient electric power trains, used for hydrogen and battery electric powered buses. Our technological prowess places us in a prime position for growth and global expansion, which will be my focus as CEO.
“Our workforce is at the forefront of zero-emissions transport and I am very much looking forward to working with, and building on, the talented team in Ballymena, who have driven Wrightbus’ reputation across the UK, Ireland and around the world.”
Wrightbus Chief Financial Officer Jamie Burns said: “We are delighted to welcome Jean-Marc to the Wrightbus team. His background in manufacturing and his track record in successfully transforming companies coupled with his enthusiasm make him the ideal person to realise the global potential of our zero-emission technology.
