Go North East Managing Director Kevin Carr will retire in June after more than 40 years with the region’s largest bus operator.
Under his leadership, Go North East has invested £44 million in new vehicles, and its new “super depot” in Gateshead as well as spearheading innovations in engineering including the first low-floor step-free bus outside London.
Commenting on today’s announcement, David Brown, chief executive of Go Ahead Plc, said: “With his expert understanding of transport and standing in the North-East business community, Kevin has been a strong leader for Go North East. He leaves behind him a fantastic legacy, great culture and strong management team which will continue its successful work in the North East.”
Employing over 2,100 local people, with a fleet of almost 700 buses and coaches and an annual turnover of £100m, Go North East transports around 200,000 people on its bus services every day. During Kevin’s tenure, the business has focused on making the bus a better choice for travellers and invested in enhanced on-board facilities, value for money ticketing and making the bus a more environmentally-friendly way to travel.
Kevin said: “After 43 years, it is with great sadness that I leave Go North East, but I feel it is time for someone else to lead. I am privileged to have seen the business change and grow into the well-established and much-loved company it is today. It really is the team who make Go North East what it is – which is evidenced by the number of awards the company has won and the consistently high customer satisfaction scores achieved every year.
“I am looking forward to retirement and this new chapter in my life and I leave with some fantastic memories.”
Kevin joined Go North East as an apprentice engineer in 1975. He worked his way through the business undertaking several positions spanning technical engineer, works manager, general manager, operations director and finally Managing Director. As chair of the North-East Bus Operators’ Association, Kevin has also played a key role in helping shape transport policy.
Kevin’s successor will be announced in the coming months.
For more information about Go North East, visit www.gonortheast.co.uk.