Recently retired CEO of Arriva Plc, David Martin, is joining McGill’s as a non-executive director.
McGill’s is the largest independent bus company in Scotland and Mr Martin is joining the firm at a period of growth which is expected to accelerate over the coming years.
David Martin is a highly respected industry figure and is credited with the significant expansion of Arriva to its current turnover of £3.3 billion.
David Martin said: “The Easdale brothers have built a fantastic transport company and it has enormous potential for further expansion. I am excited to be involved at this stage in their development. The quality of their product is quite exceptional in the bus industry and they are very advanced with their innovative thinking.”
Chairman James Easdale said: “McGill’s is entering a new phase with this appointment. David will be invaluable when it comes to new acquisitions, both here in the UK and abroad. His experience of managing flotations will also prove to be invaluable.”
Ralph Roberts, Managing Director of McGill’s, said: “David Martin is one of the leading figures in the transport industry and he oversaw the international development of Arriva across Europe and facilitated its acquisition by Deutsche Bahn in 2010. We are thrilled to have him as a non-executive director. He brings with him decades of experience and a vast expertise that will help us as we continue to expand.”
In its most recent financial results McGill’s, which is based in Inverclyde, reported a rise in turnover to £40m, accompanied by a rise in pre-tax profits of 12.5%. The number of employees retained by the firm has increased by 47% in the past five years.
Mr Roberts continued: “This is a dynamic time for the transport sector and McGill’s is at the forefront of adopting new technology, including the Scotland-wide smart payment scheme and the greater Glasgow bus to bus multi operator smart ticket scheme. We have replaced traditional ticketing machines with smart and mobile ticketing machines. Before the end of the summer we will have contactless technology across the whole business.”
David Martin continues to advise the boards of Arriva and DB Group since he stepped down from the CEO role at Arriva in December 2016.
McGill’s Bus Service Ltd is owned by Arranglen Ltd, the investment vehicle of the Easdale family. Arranglen and its subsidiary companies is now a substantial conglomerate with a turnover of close to £100m, owned by Sandy and James Easdale. Its interests include manufacturing of windows and glass, high grade office properties, land investments, the Saveheat Group and vehicle fleet lease and repair companies.
