FIRSTGROUP PLC BOARD CHANGES
FirstGroup plc ("The Group"), the leading transport operator in the UK and North America, announces the following Board changes.
Tim O'Toole will become Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive with effect from 14 June 2010.
Tim joined the Board of FirstGroup as Independent Non-Executive Director on 7 May 2009. He has a wealth of international transport management experience most recently as Managing Director of London Underground. He joined Transport for London in 2003 prior to which he was President and Chief Executive of Consolidated Rail Corporation, one of America 's most successful rail networks.
Commenting, Martin Gilbert, Chairman said:
"I am delighted to welcome Tim to the role of Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive of FirstGroup. He brings considerable UK and US experience together with a strong track record of achievement. I am confident that he will make a significant contribution to the Group and the shaping of its continued successful development."
Commenting, Tim O'Toole said:
"This is an exciting opportunity to build on the considerable success that FirstGroup has already achieved. I look forward to joining the executive team as we work to deliver the Group's priorities and create further long term value for shareholders."
Nicola Shaw has announced her intention to step down from the Board to pursue alternative business interests outside the Group. Nicola will step down from her role as Director UK Bus, Ireland and Germany with effect from 30 June 2010.
She will continue to provide on-going strategic advice to the Chief Executive in relation to the UK Bus business.
Mary Grant, Managing Director of the Group's Rail division, will extend her current role and assume responsibility for the Group's Bus division on an interim basis.
Commenting, Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive said:
"I would like to thank Nicola for her substantial contribution to the growth of FirstGroup over the last five years, initially as Managing Director UK Bus and more recently as Director Bus UK , Ireland and Germany . We wish her every success for the future."
Commenting, Nicola Shaw said:
"After five years at FirstGroup and following the successful development of the Group's Bus division, I believe that the time is right to move on to new challenges".
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