New First Scotland East MD

First Scotland East has announced a replacement for MD, Paul Thomas, who has left to take up a new position elsewhere in the bus industry. Paul McGowan, who was Regional Project Director for First Bus in Scotland working closely with First Scotland East, has now taken over as the company’s new MD. McGowan is based at First Scotland East’s headquarters in Larbert and has previously held several MD positions at National Express, Abellio and FirstGroup. He joined First Bus in Scotland as Projects Director in March 2012 from the Abellio Group where he was latterly its European Bus Strategy and Business Development Director. He said, ‘We are operating in a difficult environment and despite recent improvements there is much to be done to build a strong and successful business. I’m delighted to have the opportunity of leading a fantastic team who are committed to moving First Scotland East forward.’

Regional MD for First Bus in Scotland, Neil Barker, said, ‘Paul’s appointment is an important one as we look to build on the improvements delivered in the area over the past two years. He knows First Scotland East extremely well and brings with him a wealth of experience and a fantastic track record.’