In the first significant management restructure under Tim O’Toole, it’s very easy to be carried away by the appointment of Giles Fearnley to First UK Bus Plus*. Does this, for example, signal a significant change of direction? Will First allow Fearnley to use his considerable skills in business transformation? Why else would First appoint him?
Whatever this signifies, it’s a very positive move that no doubt will be welcomed across the whole industry. Fearnley replaces Mary Grant who, in turn, followed Nicola Shaw. Nicola left in the summer of 2010 as Mary arrived. Mary was head of both UK bus *and* rail, whereas Fearnley will take the bus mantle only. This split is another sensible move at Aberdeen HQ.
Fearnley is, of course, a bus industry anchorman whose business skill together with fellow Blazefield director Stuart Wilde set about changing the culture of under-performing former AJS Group companies at Blazefield between 1991 and 2006. Fearnley is also president of the CPT.
i More on this from Leon Daniels
* Managing Director Bus (UK, Ireland and Germany)
Thursday, 27 January 2011
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3 comments:
I have known Giles Fearnley since he was 12 and I do wish him well as he grasps the "poisoned chalice" of First Bus. Tim O'Toole has chosen wisely!
If anyone can do it he can, but he likes a challenge see
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Campaign-day-over-Leeds-buses.6701890.jp
Can we expect to see a return of competition with Transdev as we did when Dave Alexander moved?\
This is an absolutely inspired choice which I guess very few saw coming.
It rather suggests a significant culture change in the business is starting to brew for the better, I cannot imagine Fearnley taking the post when the old guard were in charge.
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