In an unexpected move, Stagecoach South East MD Philip Norwell, 60, left the business this week. He is described as “standing down.” He has been in post since 2013.
Recruitment for a replacement has started. Until an appointment is made, the Kent and East Sussex-based business is being managed on an interim basis by Mike Watson, Regional Director – England & Wales.
Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director for England and Wales, Mark Threapleton, says: “He has made a valuable contribution to the business and we wish him well in the future.”
Mr Norwell says: “I have reached a milestone in both age and achievements and have decided it is time to move on.”
He began his career at the National Bus Company subsidiary Eastern Counties in Peterborough in 1974, a driver and then director until CamBus was taken over by Stagecoach. He became Marketing Officer for Stagecoach Cambridge in 1997 and Commercial Director in 2002.
Stagecoach South East has 1,300 employees running 490 vehicles.
