Press releases

Arriva has brought the management of its UK bus operations together into a single management unit following the appointment of Mike Cooper as managing director of the pan-European transport group’s UK Bus division.

As Arriva UK Bus managing director, Mike has outlined a new structure and made new appointments which will reinforce a consistent approach and facilitate sharing of expertise and resources across the division.

In addition to his role as managing director for Arriva London, Mark Yexley takes on the new role of operations director for Arriva UK Bus.  His new remit includes responsibility for operational performance across all Arriva UK Bus businesses while retaining direct responsibility for strategy and stakeholder management in London.

Bob Scowen has been named deputy managing director, Arriva London, with responsibility for the day to day management of the company’s London based TfL operations.  Colin Atkins, commercial director of The Original Tour, will assume responsibility for the everyday running of Arriva’s London sightseeing bus business.

Also reporting to Mark Yexley, Arriva London engineering director Ian Tarran takes on additional countrywide responsibility as lead engineering director for Arriva UK Bus. With experience in London and deregulated markets, Ian will oversee engineering activities in Arriva UK Bus, reducing operational and engineering costs and implementing nationwide engineering projects.

Peter Telford, in the new role of director – finance and business development, will investigate new business opportunities and operating models for the division, and identify cost-effective processes.

Jo Humphries, newly recruited people and change director for Arriva UK Bus, will use her background in the retail environment to take overall responsibility for improving employee engagement and culture change.

Mike Cooper explained the benefits that the new structure and shared systems will deliver for the MDs and directors running Arriva’s local and specialist bus businesses.  He said: “Our new management structure will enable the team to focus on the essentials of business delivery, driven by providing great value, attractive local bus services.  Co-ordinated financial, operational and engineering systems for the enlarged division, combined with central marketing support, will ensure tight management of costs.”

Mike Cooper added: “I believe our new leadership team has the combination of talent, ideas and experience to meet the challenges ahead in 2009.”