National Express confirms interim FD full-time

INTERIM NATIONAL EXPRESS GROUP FD Matt Ashley has been confirmed full-time by the coach business.

He stepped in to the interim post in October last year when previous incumbent Jez Maiden made the move to publicly-listed chemicals business Croda International.

Ashley joined National Express as group financial controller in early 2010 from Deloitte, where he was a director specialising in transport and infrastructure and the auditing of listed companies. He was then promoted to the role of FD of UK Bus in 2013 before becoming interim group finance director last year.

National Express chairman Sir John Armitt said: “I am delighted that Matthew is joining the board of National Express as group finance director. He has been appointed following a thorough search process and brings significant financial, corporate and operational experience. I look forward to continuing to work with him.”

Matthew Ashley said: “I have greatly enjoyed being part of National Express’ success over the last five years. The strength of our existing businesses and opportunities presented by our new markets, demonstrates that National Express has a strong future and I relish the opportunity to play my part in that as finance director.”