The managing director of Stagecoach in South Wales is to retire in August.
John Gould, 64, has headed up Stagecoach’s bus operations in Wales for the past 14 years and during his career has held senior positions at a number of regional bus companies across the UK.
He will retire on August 31 and willbe succeeded by Nigel Winter, who is currently managing director, Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire.
Mr Gould started his bus industry career in 1975 as a bus conductor and driver with West Yorkshire Road Car Company Ltd. During his career with Stagecoach, he has held managing director positions in the north-west of England and north of Scotland.
In the 1990s, he spent three years as managing director of Stagecoach’s business in Malawi in Africa, which was the predominant passenger transport provider in the country.
He took up responsibility for the company’s bus services in Wales in 2001 when he was appointed managing director of Stagecoach West and Wales. The Wales operation became a standalone business in 2003 and John Gould has remained as managing Director, playing an active role within the bus industry association CPT Cymru through several spells as Regional Chairman.
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Robert Montgomery, Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director, said: “John has made a significant contribution to Stagecoach in many parts of its operations across the UK, particularly in Wales, as well as overseas.
“In his 40-year career he has faced many management challenges, particularly most recently with the impact of the economic downturn on government investment in buses. However, he has consistently improved every business he has led, helping to attract more people to bus travel and improving the service for customers. Everyone at Stagecoach wishes him all the best in his retirement.
“I would also like to congratulate Nigel on his appointment. Over the past four years, he has established effective relationships with stakeholders in the north west of England. I am sure he will look to build similar strong partnerships in Wales and continue our initiatives to improve the service we give to our customers.”
Mr Gould said: “I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every minute of my 40 years in the bus industry and have been privileged to work with and for some amazing people at all levels in that time.
“The icing on the cake for me has been the last 25 years with the UK’s premier passenger transport operator and I am sure that all of my colleagues in South Wales will support and give welcome to Nigel when he takes over the reins in September.”