Raymond O'Toole

Ray joined the board as an Independent Non-Executive Director in June 2014, becoming the Senior Independent Director on 1 July 2017. He stepped down as Senior Independent Director in July 2022, remaining on the Board as a non-independent Non-Executive Director.

Ray has spent much of his career in the transport sector, including as group chief operating officer and UK chief executive for National Express plc for ten years until 2010. This included responsibility for a fleet of 20,000 buses and coaches, nine rail franchises and 40,000 staff, with operations in Spain, the USA, Canada and the UK. He started his non-executive career whilst at National Express as a member of the board of the British Transport Police Authority.

From 2011 Ray served as a non-executive director and member of the safety committee of the Office of Rail and Road until he was appointed as chief executive of Essential Fleet Services Limited from July 2015 until February 2017. Ray has a background in mechanical engineering in addition to skills in safety and strategy.

Ray is the Chairman of Stagecoach Group plc.

Committee Membership: Audit, Remuneration, Nomination, Safety, Health and Environment (Chair)