Wrightbus has commenced 2026 with a series of promotions and appointments across its commercial and operational teams, reflecting a continued focus on experience, continuity and internal progression.
Within the sales organisation, staff collectively account for more than 200 years of service at Wrightbus, underlining long-term commitment to the Ballymena-based manufacturer and familiarity with its products, customers and markets.
John McLeister has been appointed Managing Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland. He joined Wrightbus at the age of 16 as an apprentice and has now spent 36 years with the company. His appointment continues a pattern of promoting from within the organisation.
John McLeister said:A standout feature of this sales team is the depth of experience within Wrightbus - not just across the wider bus industry but, crucially, more than 200 years years spent working here in Ballymena.
I’m extremely proud to lead this group of people who have stood front and centre through both the most challenging periods and the most transformative years in Wrightbus history.
Phil Owen, who joined Wrightbus in 2023 following a 28-year career with Volvo, has been appointed Sales Director. Other senior promotions and appointments across the UK include Gary Kernohan as Group Commercial Director; Chris Martin as Head of Business Development (UK); and Dave Porter as Head of Coach Sales. The wider sales team includes Steve Jackson, Mick Campbell, Hazel Marshall and Mark Baker, with Ciaran McCarthy covering Ireland.
In outlining priorities for his new role, Mr McLeister said a key focus will be maintaining and developing partnerships with operators and industry stakeholders. He noted that overseas competition is increasing and emphasised the importance of communicating the wider economic impact of UK-built buses, including benefits to domestic supply chains and employment.
He also highlighted the role of the sales function in feeding customer insight back into the business, ensuring operational experience informs engineering, manufacturing and after-sales activity.
Wrightbus operates as part of the HydraB Group, which provides complementary services including depot charging infrastructure, alternative energy solutions and financing. In addition to vehicle manufacturing, Wrightbus undertakes after-sales support, refurbishment and repowering activity.
McLeister said:My job is to strengthen the partnerships we have - not only with customers but across the wider bus industry. Competition from abroad is increasing, and we must keep promoting the message that UK-built buses deliver enormous value, not only for operators but for local economies.
This team has been, and continues to be, the voice of the customer, ensuring that frontline experience directly influences engineering, manufacturing and after-sales strategies.
Further appointments reflect an emphasis on quality and service delivery. Lee Fox has joined as Managing Director of Refurbishment, Mark Gilfeather has been appointed Service Director for Regional Operations, and David Murdoch becomes Group Quality Director at the Ballymena headquarters.
Axel J. Maschka, who took up the role of Chief Executive Officer on 1 December, said the changes are intended to support the company’s next phase of growth by strengthening product quality and service capability. He noted that experience retained within the organisation remains a significant asset, particularly among teams that have stayed with the business over long periods.
The latest restructure follows senior appointments made in 2025, including Christian Reynolds as Chief Operating Officer and Paul Thomas as Chief Technology Officer.
New CEO Axel J. Maschka said:Wrightbus has grown significantly in recent years. While we take pride in how far we’ve come, we must now shift up another gear if we are serious about scaling further.
The experience inside this organisation, especially among teams who have stayed loyal through thick and thin, is one of our greatest strengths. Our commitment to learning, improving and pushing for excellence across the entire group has never been stronger.
