Claire Miles has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Stagecoach. She will officially take on her new role from 2 October, succeeding Martin Griffiths, who stepped down in January.
Claire’s appointment follows an intensive and competitive recruitment drive spanning several months. She enters the role as the company shapes its future trajectory in response to evolving travel trends post-COVID pandemic.
Her portfolio includes stints as the Chief Executive of Yell and several Managing Director roles at Centrica, including HomeCare and Hive. She also holds non-executive positions on the boards of corporate giants Biffa and Capita plc. On the academic front, she works as a visiting professor at Aston University.
Ray O’Toole, Stagecoach Chairman, expresses his enthusiasm for the appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Claire as our new Chief Executive Officer after a thorough recruitment process. She brings with her a wealth of experience and commercial acumen that will enable us to exploit the exciting prospects for growth that we see for the future. Claire will have a detailed induction into our operations across the length and breadth of Great Britain, allowing her to be fully immersed into the sector and to get to know our business. During this induction phase I will continue to work in my capacity as Executive Chairman before reverting back to my role as non-executive Chair of Stagecoach.”
Echoing this sentiment, Claire comments: ”I am delighted to be joining Stagecoach at such an exciting time for the industry. With an impressive track record of delivering brilliant outcomes for customers and stakeholders, there is a strong platform on which to grow and continue to lead the way in innovation.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take time to get to know the business. I believe the investment in a comprehensive induction and handover will set me up for success as I take up the reins of the business. I look forward to working with Ray and the rest of the leadership team as we continue to build a highly successful, customer-centred business.”
Recent figures from Stagecoach’s annual report highlight a surge in passenger numbers. The uptick has been bolstered by initiatives such as the £2 bus fare cap in England and the Under-22 concession scheme in Scotland. Its operations currently span 18 companies, account for over 23,000 jobs and generated upwards of £1.3bn in revenue last fiscal year.
