Former JCB senior manager Richard Butler, 50, becomes Chief Executive of Optare – a new position – Monday (2 July). He has held a number of MD roles within various divisions at JCB, most recently as JCB Access MD.
Optare President Graham Belgum, moves to the new position as Director of International Business Development, and will be working closely with the management team at India-based Ashok Leyland, Optare’s parent company.
Optare Chairman John Fickling: “Richard Butler has 30 years of international business experience gained at global manufacturer JCB.
“His experience in sales, customer support & distribution, marketing, product, business development along with engineering and manufacturing leave him well placed to drive our ambitious growth plans in innovative products and new markets.
“Building on the recent successes in overseas markets, Optare will give additional drive to grow its international presence.
“In this regard, Graham Belgum with his vast experience in the bus business and in his new role as Director of International Business Development will leverage the strengths of Optare’s superior bus designs, customisation capabilities and proven EV standing to enable significant export growth.”
