New Chair for Lothian steps in

Lothian has announced that Susan Deacon has been appointed to the role of Chair of Lothian’s Board.

“It is a real privilege to take on the role of Chair of Lothian” – Susan Deacon, Lothian Chair

Ms Deacon takes over with immediate effect from Jim McFarlane who is standing down after nine years in the role. The appointment is for an initial period of two years.

To aid the transition process, outgoing Chair Jim McFarlane and senior independent director Steve Cassidy will remain as non-executive directors of the company until new Board members are appointed later in the year.

The Committee also approved the reappointment of Mark Yexley, Anthony Rose and Iain Reid as Non-Executive Directors for a further period of 18 months.

A recruitment process is currently underway to appoint up to three new Non-Executive Directors.

The refreshed and strengthened Lothian Board will be tasked with leading the operator through the next phase of its development, overseeing the transition to integrated governance and operations of Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams in accordance with previous decisions taken by the City of Edinburgh Council.

“[Susan] is deeply committed to the success of Lothian” – Council Leader, Cammy Day

Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: “I am delighted that Susan Deacon is taking on the role of Lothian Chair. She is deeply committed to the success of Lothian and has a long and successful track record of contribution to the city.

“I’m also confident that the wider changes to the Board will ensure the company continues to grow and develop, while playing a full and active part in our plans to integrate bus and tram operations for the benefit of Edinburgh’s travelling public.

“Finally, I want also to pay tribute to outgoing Chair, Jim McFarlane, for his immense contribution to Lothian and to the city over many years. I’ll be recognising this formally as a congratulatory motion at the next meeting of the Council. I’d also like to thank Steve Cassidy who will be standing down as a Non-Executive Director later this year.”