Wrightbus has announced that its Chief Executive, Jean-Marc Gales, will step into the role of Deputy Chairman from 1 December 2025, marking a shift in focus towards the company’s international development. A new chief executive will be appointed on the same date.
Wrightbus, based in Northern Ireland, is part of a wider group that provides zero-emission transport solutions, including electric and hydrogen buses, depot charging infrastructure, alternative energy supplies and financing for net-zero projects.
Mr Gales joined Wrightbus in March 2023, during a period of rapid expansion. Under his leadership, the company increased production and sales of zero-emission buses across the UK and Europe, receiving recognition in national manufacturing and sustainability awards.
Wrightbus has grown significantly since 2019, when it was acquired by Jo Bamford following administration. At the time, the business employed fewer than 50 people. Today, the workforce numbers more than 2,300, with an estimated 7,500 additional jobs supported in the UK supply chain.
Jean-Marc Gales said:I am incredibly proud of the results we have delivered at Wrightbus over the past two and a half years. In a tough market we have thrived, creating thousands of jobs, bringing new levels of product quality to the bus market and delighting passengers.
In order to grow our presence across the globe we need strategic focus, so I am looking forward to building on this momentum.
The leadership transition comes as Wrightbus seeks to build on its existing position in zero-emission transport while pursuing opportunities in new regions and technologies. Most recently, the company unveiled its repowered electric truck, marking an extension of its zero-emission activities beyond the bus sector.
Mr Bamford said:Jean-Marc’s leadership has been transformational for this historic company. The climb out of administration in 2019 was tough, but we are now proud to be market leaders, driving quality and innovation in the bus sector and expanding into new areas.
