MD of National Express UK Bus to retire

Peter Coates, the Managing Director of National Express’ UK bus division, is retiring after 20 distinguished years with the transport company.

Peter initially joined National Express from accountants Ernst & Young. He then went on to become Finance Director of UK Bus in 1999 and then Managing Director in 2011.

“Peter has led National Express’ UK Bus business with distinction, combining a passion for the bus business with a forensic understanding of its operations,” said Dean Finch, Chief Executive of National Express Group. “He has also been a much appreciated colleague and friend. It has been a pleasure to work with Peter – everyone at National Express wishes him all the best for the future.”

Chief Operating Officer, Paul Thomas, who has worked for National Express in various engineering and management roles for 15 years, has been promoted to Managing Director of UK Bus. Paul previously worked as Managing Director of First Bus Scotland East, before rejoining National Express in 2014.

In light of Peter Coates’ retirement and National Express’ recent sale of its UK train operator, c2c, Tom Stables will become Managing Director UK and Germany, with the divisional managing directors in the UK bus and coach divisions and German rail business all reporting into him.