The CEO of North East transport giant Go Ahead Group has stepped down after less than two years in the job.
The company has announced that, after 20 months as group chief executive, Miguel Parras has decided to step away from Go-Ahead to pursue other opportunities.
The Newcastle based bus and rail business – which operates services across the Ƶ and overseas – said that over the period of Mr Parras’ tenurem he had worked with the executive team to deliver a business which expanded its services and earnings, including more contracted services throughout the Ƶ, Ireland and Singapore.
While at the helm, the company led the mobilisation of the Elizabeth Line in London, opened an office in Australia to grow the rail business in the country, launched the company’s Go Ahead Women program, and also won various awards – including the Recruitment and Retention category of the Ƶ Bus Awards and recognition as an Industry Leader in DEI at the National Transport Awards.
Michael Sewards, chair, said: “Miguel has made a significant contribution, alongside the company’s CFO and group structured finance director, to securing the long-term financial sustainability of the company and to defining a clear strategy to achieve Go-Ahead’s ambitious decarbonisation goals, working hand-in-hand with many of our public transport authority partners such as TfL, TfGM, and others across the Ƶ.
“On behalf of the entire board, I would like to thank Miguel for not only his work and commitment whilst in the group CEO role, but also for his important contribution to the investments made by Kinetic and Globalvia and his participation in steering the strategic direction of Go-Ahead. We thank Miguel for his contribution to the company and wish him all the best for the future.”
Mr Parras added: “Leading Go-Ahead has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. It is a company with a strong purpose, deep values, and extraordinary people who work every day to deliver vital public transport services with passion and professionalism. I am proud of what we have achieved together — from growing our operations to laying the foundations for a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
Earlier this year Go Ahead Group announced it was moving its Tyneside headquarters from offices in Grey Street to 55 Degrees North in Newcastle city centre.
