Stagecoach, Britain's largest bus and coach operator, has appointed Claire Miles as its new chief executive officer.

The appointment will take effect from October 2, and follows a thorough, competitive process over a number of months.

Claire succeeds Martin Griffiths, who retired as chief executive in January. Claire will join Stagecoach as the company continues to grow its business as it adapts to changed travel patterns following the Covid pandemic.

In its recent annual report, Stagecoach reported increased passenger demand, supported by the £2 bus fare cap scheme in England and under-22 concession scheme in Scotland.

Stagecoach connects communities in hundreds of locations across the UK, operating services across Gloucestershire.

The operator employs over 23,000 staff across 18 operating companies, with an annual turnover in excess of £1.3bn in the last financial year.

Claire joins Stagecoach after holding a number of senior roles across a range of business sectors, including chief executive of Yell and various managing director roles at Centrica such as HomeCare and Hive. Claire also holds non-executive positions on the boards of Biffa and Capita plc. In addition to her company roles, Claire is a visiting professor at Aston University.

Ray O'Toole, chairman of Stagecoach said: "I am delighted to welcome Claire as our new chief executive officer after a thorough recruitment process. She brings with her a wealth of experience and commercial acumen that will enable us to exploit the exciting prospects for growth that we see for the future.

"Claire will have a detailed induction into our operations across the length and breadth of Great Britain, allowing her to be fully immersed into the sector and to get to know our business. During this induction phase I will continue to work in my capacity as executive chairman before reverting back to my role as non-executive chair of Stagecoach."

Claire Miles said: "I am delighted to be joining Stagecoach at such an exciting time for the industry. With an impressive track record of delivering brilliant outcomes for customers and stakeholders, there is a strong platform on which to grow and continue to lead the way in innovation.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to take time to get to know the business. I believe the investment in a comprehensive induction and handover will set me up for success as I take up the reins of the business. I look forward to working with Ray and the rest of the leadership team as we continue to build a highly successful, customer-centred business."