Restructured team for Arriva's UK bus operations

Arriva has brought the management of its UK bus operationstogether into a single management unit following the appointment ofMike Cooper as managing director of the pan-European transportgroup’s UK Bus division.

As Arriva UK Bus managing director, Mike has outlined a newstructure and made new appointments which will reinforce aconsistent approach and facilitate sharing of expertise andresources 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 ArrivaUK Bus. His new remit includes responsibility for operationalperformance across all Arriva UK Bus businesses while retainingdirect responsibility for strategy and stakeholder management inLondon.

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

Also reporting to Mark Yexley, Arriva London engineeringdirector Ian Tarran takes on additional countrywide responsibilityas lead engineering director for Arriva UK Bus. With experience inLondon and deregulated markets, Ian will oversee engineeringactivities in Arriva UK Bus, reducing operational and engineeringcosts and implementing nationwide engineering projects.

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

Jo Humphries, newly recruited people and change director for ArrivaUK Bus, will use her background in the retail environment to takeoverall responsibility for improving employee engagement andculture change.

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

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