Former M&S finance boss to chair National Express

National Express Group has named Helen Weir as its new chair, the transport group confirmed on Thursday.

Currently a non-executive director at fashion brand Superdry, where she is the senior independent director, Weir was finance director of Marks & Spencer between 2015 and 2018.

Prior to that, she was group finance director of John Lewis Partnership, and chief executive of the retail bank at Lloyds Banking Group.

Weir is replacing current incumbent John Armitt, who is stepping down after ten years in the role.

She said: "I am delighted to be joining National Express at such an important time for the business. The company has a clear strategy rooted in a purpose to encourage the important shift away from private vehicles into public transport."

Ignacio Garat, chief executive, said: "Our business has a strong momentum and an attractive pipeline of growth opportunities. The skills that Helen brings to the board will help us sustain that momentum in pursuit of those growth opportunities."

National Express, which owns the UK’s largest coach fleet, also has significant international operations. Weir will join the board as a non-executive director and chair designate next month before taking over as chair on 1 January 2023.

Weir is also a non-executive director at food producer Greencore Group, but will step down from the role on 31 December following her appointment as National Express chair.