Wrightbus has named Paul Thomas as Group Chief Technology Officer. He joins from Aston Martin, where he was Chief Engineer, and has over 30 years’ experience in the automotive sector.
At Wrightbus Mr Thomas will lead the company’s technology strategy and oversee the further development of zero-emission buses and sustainable transport solutions as the manufacturer “looks to an innovative future,” it says.
Wrightbus adds that Mr Thomas brings “a unique blend of hands-on technical experience and strategic leadership.” His career began as a HGV mechanic and since then he has “developed a practical understanding of vehicle systems and engineering fundamentals,” the bus builder adds.
Other previous employers on his CV include Byton, Rimac Technology, Tesla, and Verne, with a focus on advancements in electric mobility, high-performance vehicle design and next-generation transport technologies.
Speaking about the appointment of Mr Thomas, Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales says: “Paul is committed to a vision of transport that is not only clean and efficient, but also accessible, inclusive, and future ready. His experience and leadership will be vital as we look to improve and expand our portfolio of zero-emission passenger vehicles.
“Throughout his career, Paul has been recognised for his ability to bridge technical depth with visionary thinking, fostering innovation that delivers real-world impact.
“In another record-breaking year for Wrightbus, and with our portfolio of vehicles continuing to expand, we are looking forward to seeing how his input helps us to decarbonise passenger transport faster and with more efficiency.”
Adds Mr Thomas: “It is an exciting time to join Wrightbus thanks to its reputation for being the benchmark for net-zero transport transformation.
“After working across the automotive sector for so long, I am a firm believer that sustainable transport must go beyond electrification – it should be part of a broader ecosystem that integrates renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and circular design principles.
“I am keen to help to create a world where mobility enhances quality of life, reduces environmental impact, and supports the transition to a low-carbon economy – and I am looking forward to being able to do that with Wrightbus, working alongside some of the very best in the business.”
In addition to its core range of heavyweight zero-emission buses, Wrightbus has entered the small passenger vehicle market with the Rightech RB6 and RB9 models and it has a hydrogen fuel cell-electric coach planned for 2026.
