New MD for Arriva’s Central and Eastern European region

Arriva has announced the appointment of a new MD for its growing Central and Eastern European region as part of a wider restructuring. Taking up the new role is Radim Novak, who was Chief Executive of the former Veolia Transport Central Europe (VTCE) businesses, acquired by Arriva’s parent company Deutsche Bahn in May this year. He will oversee the development of a much larger operating region across seven countries. He will report directly to the group’s deputy CEO and MD for mainland Europe, Mike Cooper. Over the past six months, Radim has helped lead the integration of the 3,400 vehicle operations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia into Arriva. He will now lead the development of an expanded region, which will see the six operations gradually merging with his company’s existing businesses.

Arriva has also confirmed a number of senior appointments at country level within Central and Eastern Europe. In Hungary, its joint venture operations will continue to be led by Aniko Kormendi, while in Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, Bo Karlsson will continue as MD with local management teams reporting directly to him. In Poland, Damian Grabowski will continue to lead its rail operations with Tomasz Rochowicz remaining in charge of the firm’s bus business. Both will report to Radim Novak. Meanwhile, the names of new MDs for Arriva in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are set to be announced in the coming months with the current senior management teams reporting into Mr Novak during the interim period.

Mike Cooper said, ‘Radim is highly regarded for his professionalism and passion for delivering the best value to customers and clients. He understands the challenges and opportunities we face in the bus and rail markets in the region and will be setting our direction and goals. Radim will lead what is a new look operating area and is totally focused on growth and building on our already strong relations with client bodies and passengers in existing markets. There are many synergies between our new and existing Arriva businesses and Radim will be working closely with the leadership teams in each country to unlock these and many other operational and commercial opportunities. It’s an exciting time for Arriva and I am certain Radim’s appointment, alongside our new look country teams, will help to enhance our reputation for operational excellence.’