Rotala is in the process of overhauling the senior management structure of its Diamond Bus North West (DBNW) and Preston Bus businesses as its looks to capitalise on opportunities presented by the current market status.
Chief among the changes is the appointment of Matt Rawlinson (pictured, above) as Managing Director of both Rotala subsidiaries. He steps up from a Deputy MD role.
Mr Rawlinson has 29 years’ experience in the bus industry. He will lead both DBNW’s transition into the franchised environment in Greater Manchester and its growth strategy for Preston Bus through the pursuit of new opportunities in Lancashire, Rotala says.
Although Mr Rawlinson takes on the MD position from Bob Dunn, the latter remains an Executive Director of Rotala, a dual role that he has held for many years. “Succession has always been a key feature of my style at all levels in the structure,” Mr Dunn explains.
“I still spend a huge amount of my time involved with the oversight and management of the North West businesses,” he continues. “I don’t plan to retire – I am merely planning for the future.”
Other senior appointments across both companies are the naming of Dave Leonard as Operations Director, and Tom Calderbank as Commercial Director.
Mr Leonard brings 43 years’ knowledge of the sector. He joined Rotala in 2018. Mr Calderbank entered Rotala’s graduate scheme in 2015 and has worked as a key lead in bidding for franchised local service contracts in Greater Manchester. He will now also focus on growth opportunities in Lancashire through working with multiple stakeholders.
Commenting on the need for changes to the senior management team, Mr Dunn notes that the model for operating successful bus businesses “has significantly changed.”
Rotala won franchised local service contracts in both the first and the second tranche of awards from Transport for Greater Manchester. Mr Dunn said soon after the latter was confirmed that the group looks forward to the same in the third and final round of awards, which are due to be made in March 2024.
“These unprecedented times certainly present some challenges, and of course, great opportunities,” he continues.
“Over more recent times, the behaviour of customers, suppliers and competitors has been affected by political, technological and economic changes and, the resultant effects left over from COVID-19.”
The shorter term approach for the Rotala in North West England “is to capitalise on these opportunities,” Mr Dunn says. “With this in mind, our new structure will support the delivery of our plans for the medium term.”
In addition to the above appointments, Rotala is also soon to create several other key roles within its DBNW and Preston Bus operations:
- A General Manager, who will act as a key lead role for the Greater Manchester business, overseeing service delivery to ensure that KPIs are met
- Franchise Managers, who will be dedicated to set routes to ensure that service delivery and the customer experience are as required
- Health, Safety, Environment and Facilities Manager, who will support the businesses in the management of those aspects and aid the maintenance and delivery of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 aspirations
- HR Business Partner, who will support the employee life cycle as well as providing day-to-day operational and HR support, and assist with overall business growth.
