David Martin (pictured) has made a surprise return to Arriva, having been named Executive Chairman of the group’s management board. He will also assume Group CEO responsibilities for an interim period after the departure of previous holder of that post Mike Cooper.
Mr Martin stepped down as Arriva CEO in 2017 after a decade in that role. He then spent time as a non-executive director of McGill’s before moving onto the position of FirstGroup Chairman in 2019. He retired from FirstGroup in mid-2024.
In returning to Arriva, Mr Martin has been appointed by both the transport group and its owner, Miami-based I Squared Capital. Mr Cooper has stepped down to pursue what the business says is “a portfolio career, including shortly starting work in the charity sector.”
Leading the search for Mr Cooper’s successor will fall within Mr Martin’s remit, and he will assume CEO responsibilities until that is complete. Group strategy including a planned €2 billion investment programme will also be within his oversight.
David Martin says he is “delighted to be returning to Arriva at such a critical moment in the group’s journey.”
He notes that Arriva’s commitment to reliable and sustainable transport “is unwavering, now backed by I Squared’s operational and strategic expertise and financial strength.” The owner says it has ambitious plans to drive growth of Arriva and its sustainability agenda.
Mr Cooper spent four years as Group CEO. Arriva credits him with strong leadership and leaving the business in a financially stronger and more competitive state “with sustainability at the heart of the group’s ambition.”
Says Mr Cooper: “I have done what I came back to do – stabilise, turn around and sell Arriva to a credible new owner that will invest in the business and enable it to deliver on its potential.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Arriva team, and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I leave the company in a strong financial position from which I Squared and the new board can build. I wish them every success.”
Further strengthening of the Arriva board sees the arrival of three non-executive directors. Guillaume Pepy joins as former Chairman of French national railway company SNCF, while Alexander Doll is former Chief Financial Officer of Deutsche Bahn. It previously owned Arriva until selling the business to I-Squared Capital in mid-2024.
The third addition is Simon Glass, former Deputy Group Finance Director at RBS Group and Standard Chartered. Mr Glass currently serves as Operating Advisor to I Squared and as a non-executive director of two of its other portfolio companies.
