Eurostar boss becomes Arriva CEO

Mike Cooper, the current CEO of Eurostar, is to take over as the new Arriva Group CEO, effective from early October 2020. He will succeed Dr. Manfred Rudhart who is stepping down as Arriva CEO following almost five years in the role.

Arriva is already well known to Mike, who worked for the business for nine years. He left the company in 2014 to become the CEO of Yodel and then the CEO of Eurostar. Prior to Arriva, Mike was the Chief Commercial Officer of easyJet from its flotation in 2000 until 2005. Before that the Managing Director of the direct sales business of the Thomson Travel Group.

Mike Cooper said: “I am really looking forward to rejoining Arriva. Recent events have disrupted all forms of transport, but it has also brought into sharp focus the important role passenger transport plays in the modern world, from keeping people connected and supporting key workers in the fight against the coronavirus through to aiding economic recovery.

“At a time of uncertainty, Arriva’s aspiration to be a trusted mobility partner has never been more important. I am looking forward to working with the Arriva team and in partnership with DB to ensure Arriva adapts to the changing market conditions.”