Wrightbus appoints new COO

Wrightbus has unveiled Christian Reynolds as its new Group Chief Operating Officer.

Christian, who has worked for bus and automotive firms internationally, including posts in Australia and the US, will split his time across the firm’s manufacturing sites in Ballymena and Bicester to support the group’s industrial strategy.

The 49-year-old, who started at Wrightbus in April, said he was excited to join the leadership team with a focus on manufacturing efficiency and innovation to support the company realise its global expansion plans.

“The Wrightbus team has demonstrated its commitment to building scale and efficiency across its end-to-end manufacturing operations, from new vehicle production to its innovative repower programme – converting mid-life diesel buses to electric. Along with comprehensive refurbishment and repair services, the commitment to consistent improvement is contagious,” he said.

“With a clear focus on manufacturing excellence, the powertrain portfolio – including combustion, hydrogen, and electric – ensures adaptable solutions that meet evolving customer needs.”

Christian’s CV includes roles as executive director for sports car manufacturing at Lotus and director of manufacturing at Tesla, where he was part of the early team to industrialise the Tesla Roadster in the UK before transferring to the US to deliver the Model S into series production.

“I have been lucky to be involved in projects and businesses with both clear purpose and products which solve real world issues,” he says. “But the Wrightbus vision is deeply engaging, and to be part of the team that helps to decarbonise mass transport is pretty cool.”