24/03/2005

Stagecoach UK Bus announced today (24 March 2005) the appointment of James Freeman as Managing Director of Stagecoach East.

James Freeman (48), currently Managing Director for Stagecoach Warwickshire, takes over from Inglis Lyon, who is leaving the business to become Managing Director of the Highlands & Islands Airport Ltd.

Stagecoach East operates more than 300 buses and coaches throughout Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire and James will take up his post on 1 May 2005.

James began his career as a senior management trainee with the National Bus Company in 1978. He has subsequently held senior management positions with Shamrock and Rambler Coaches, Peoples Provincial Bus Co, First Bus Rapid Transit Developments and Travel West Midlands.

He joined Stagecoach in 2001 as Operations Director, South Midlands, and became Managing Director, Warwickshire, in 2004.

Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “I am delighted James is taking up this post. We have achieved impressive passenger growth in our provincial bus operations across the UK over the past year and we believe there are a number of further opportunities to attract more people to bus travel in the Stagecoach East operating area.

“Inglis began his career with Stagecoach as a graduate trainee. He has been with the company for 12 years and leaves with our best wishes.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs, Stagecoach Group
Tel: 01738 442111 or mobile 07764 774680