FirstGroup has appointed Graham Sutherland as CEO. He most recently held the same position with telecommunications business KCOM Group until its sale to a Macquarie-managed infrastructure fund and has also held senior roles with BT, NTL Ireland and Bombardier.
Mr Sutherland will take up the role on 16 May. He succeeds Matthew Gregory, who stepped down in September 2021 after delivering the group’s rationalisation strategy that saw it exit the North American market.
Says FirstGroup Executive Chairman David Martin: “I am delighted to welcome Graham Sutherland to FirstGroup. He has a strong track record in the delivery of critical services and in creating value for shareholders in rapidly evolving regulatory and technological environments.
“Graham joins at an exciting and important time for FirstGroup, which is now a focused and resilient business with a strong platform from which to develop. I am confident that Graham is ideally suited to take the Group forward and I look forward to working with him to maximise the widespread opportunities that exist for growth and sustainable value creation.”
Adds Mr Sutherland: “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead FirstGroup. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to drive the Group forward and deliver the vital services that are key to achieving society’s sustainability and economic goals.
“With its prime positions in bus and rail, strong balance sheet and clear purpose, FirstGroup has many opportunities ahead and I look forward to helping to shape its exciting future.”
