FirstGroup plc has announced the appointment of Lena Wilson CBE as the new Chair of its Board, effective from February 1, 2025. Wilson, who brings a wealth of experience from both public and private sectors, will succeed David Martin, who retired on September 10, 2024. This strategic move is expected to bolster FirstGroup’s leadership and drive its mission to deliver exceptional public transport services across the UK.
A Distinguished Career
Lena Wilson’s career is marked by significant achievements and leadership roles. She served as the Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise from 2009 to 2017, where she played a pivotal role in driving economic development in Scotland. Her tenure at Scottish Enterprise was characterized by innovative strategies and successful initiatives that fostered business growth and job creation. Prior to this, Wilson was a Senior Investment Advisor at The World Bank in Washington, DC, where she contributed to global economic projects.
Wilson’s extensive experience extends to her roles on the boards of various prominent organizations. She has served on the boards of Scottish Power Renewables and Intertek Group, bringing her expertise in governance and strategic planning. Currently, she is a non-executive director and the Remuneration Committee Chair at NatWest Group plc, and she also chairs Picton Property Income Limited. Her diverse background and proven track record make her an ideal fit for the leadership role at FirstGroup.
Her appointment has been met with enthusiasm from FirstGroup’s senior management. Peter Lynas, the Senior Independent Director, expressed confidence in Wilson’s ability to lead the Board, citing her substantial experience and strong track record as a non-executive director. The transition is expected to be smooth, with Lynas temporarily acting as Chair until Wilson officially takes over.
Vision for the Future
Lena Wilson’s vision for FirstGroup is centered around enhancing public transport services and driving sustainable growth. In her statement, Wilson expressed her excitement about the opportunities ahead and her commitment to continuing the progress made by the Group in recent years. She emphasized the importance of delivering reliable and efficient transport services that meet the needs of customers and contribute to the nation’s economy.
Wilson’s leadership style is expected to bring a fresh perspective to FirstGroup’s strategic direction. Her focus on innovation and sustainability aligns with the company’s goals of reducing its environmental impact and improving service quality. Under her guidance, FirstGroup aims to leverage new technologies and operational efficiencies to enhance the customer experience and achieve long-term success.
The appointment of Wilson also signals a commitment to diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of the organization. Her extensive experience in various sectors and her leadership in promoting gender equality and diversity will be invaluable assets to FirstGroup. The company is poised to benefit from her insights and leadership as it navigates the challenges and opportunities in the public transport sector.
A New Chapter for FirstGroup
The transition in leadership marks a new chapter for FirstGroup. David Martin, the outgoing Chair, has been credited with significant contributions to the company’s transformation over the past five years. During his tenure, FirstGroup successfully disposed of its North American operations, allowing the company to focus on its core UK business. Martin’s leadership has laid a strong foundation for future growth, and his efforts have been widely acknowledged by the Board and stakeholders.
As Lena Wilson prepares to take on her new role, the company is optimistic about the future. The leadership change is expected to bring renewed energy and strategic focus to FirstGroup’s operations. Wilson’s appointment is seen as a positive step towards achieving the company’s long-term objectives and enhancing its position in the public transport industry.
The Board and senior management are committed to supporting Wilson as she transitions into her new role. Her appointment is a testament to FirstGroup’s dedication to strong governance and effective leadership. The company is confident that Wilson’s expertise and vision will drive continued success and innovation in the years to come.
