Ex-National Express exec joins Stagecoach board

Ray O'Toole

Perth-based bus and rail giant Stagecoach Group said it would propose former National Express executive Ray O’Toole for election as a non-executive director of the company at its annual general meeting on August 25.

O’Toole would then join the board on September 1.

Stagecoach said O’Toole has extensive experience in the public transport sector in the UK, mainland Europe and North America.

O’Toole stood down from the main board of National Express Group in 2010 after 10 years as group chief operating officer and UK chief executive.

He was responsible for National Express Group’s bus and coach businesses and rail franchises, with operations in Spain, the USA, Canada and the UK.

In November 2013, O’Toole joined Kier Group, Fleet and Passenger Services as managing director and in July 2015 he led a management buy-out team with private equity investor Endless LLP to create Essential Fleet Services Limited, a company which provides 3,500 vehicles with contract hire and leasing to the local authority and corporate markets.

O’Toole continues to serve as chief executive of Essential Fleet Services.

Brian Souter, Stagecoach group chairman, said: “I am pleased to propose Ray for election to the Stagecoach board.

“He has a wealth of strategic and senior management experience.

“His in-depth understanding of public transport markets will be a great asset to the Stagecoach board.”

O’Toole also serves as a non-executive director of Yorkshire Water Services and of The British Transport Police Authority.