Perth-based bus and rail giant Stagecoach said on Tuesday that Garry Watts intends to step down as the company’s deputy chairman and senior independent director on April 1 and to step down from the Stagecoach board on July 31.

Watts has been on the Stagecoach board for almost nine years.

Stagecoach also said that Phil White intends to resign from the board — after serving six years — with effect from April 23 April “to reduce his public company directorships and to pursue other interests.”

Will Whitehorn, currently a non-executive director, will assume the role of deputy chairman and senior independent director on April 1.

Whitehorn is former president of Virgin Galactic and former brand development and corporate affairs director at Virgin Group.

Stagecoach has started a search for two non-executive directors. 

Sir Brian Souter, Stagecoach chairman, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Garry and Phil for their contributions to Stagecoach Group.

“The strength and depth of their experience with listed companies has been a great asset to the company and its governance over recent years.

“Will Whitehorn has been an independent non-executive director of the company since 2011.

“Together with his substantial experience across transport and other sectors, it means he is well placed to be the company’s deputy chairman and I am delighted that he has agreed to assume the role.”