Carla Stockton-Jones has been appointed as Stagecoach’s new UK Managing Director (MD).
It is believed the appointment makes her the first woman to head a major private sector multi-modal public transport operation in the UK. She will report directly to Stagecoach Chief Executive, Martin Griffiths and take responsibility for over 8,000 vehicles and 24,000 staff.
Carla joined the company as Regional Director South of England in February this year, after holding senior positions with Sky since 2012. She was made interim Managing Director in July, following the retirement of Chief Operating Officer Mark Threapleton and a renaming of the role.
As interim MD, Carla led Stagecoach’s business transformation plans and coronavirus COVID-19 recovery strategy. This has included engagement with the Department for Transport over the sector’s transition out of the pandemic.
Martin Griffiths says: “Carla has a proven track record in retail and service roles across a range of highly competitive sectors. She has a passion for delivering large-scale transformation programmes, fostering innovation and motivating teams to deliver results. These qualities will be invaluable as we look to deliver a more agile business supported by a talented and diverse team.
“I’m confident that with our strong leadership and committed frontline people we can come through the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are in a strong position to maximise the significant opportunities for public transport as part of a green recovery, delivering safer, healthier and more prosperous places for people to live.”
Adds Carla: “I’m proud to be heading the UK business as Stagecoach marks 40 years of keeping Britain connected. Stagecoach, its people and its services have made and continue to make a hugely positive impact on our economy, in our communities and in protecting our environment.
“Partnership is more important than ever if we are to give our communities the green transport connections they need. I’m absolutely committed to working closely with national government, the mayors in our biggest city regions, and our local authority partners and other stakeholders to make that happen.
“I’m also looking forward to continuing the work underway to ensure the business has the right shape so we can unlock new opportunities. I want to make the most of the diverse talent we have across Stagecoach, bring a fresh perspective to the business and ensure we are 100% focused on our current and future customers.”
Carla was worked as a member of the Maggie’s cancer care board since 2016, helping to raise awareness and funding for the charity to achieve its vision of having a care centre attached to every UK NHS hospital.
