New Lothian Buses chair takes over amid row

A TRANSPORT expert with more than 40 years’ experience has been appointed interim chairman of Lothian Buses following a bitter boardroom row that led to the exit of the firm’s former boss.

Tony Depledge takes over at Lothian Buses. Picture: Alex Hewitt

Tony Depledge, a former development director for Arriva, replaces Ann Faulds, who this week resigned after five years in the job.

Ms Faulds’ departure followed a fall-out between chief executive Ian Craig and three senior executives who lodged complaints about his alleged “abrasive” management style.

No disciplinary action was taken against Mr Craig but following the investigation it is understood Ms Faulds was in favour of him leaving the firm.

Councillor Lesley Hinds has been parachuted on to the board of Lothian Buses and a senior council executive will join the management team to help get the publicly-owned firm back on track.

Today, Mr Depledge said the firm needed to “repair and rebuild” the leadership of the organisation. “I have been involved with the public transport industry all my working life and I am keenly aware of the great strengths and achievements of Lothian Buses,” he said. “Our priority is to work together to deliver a successful and integrated public transport system for the city.

“To help us, the City of 
Edinburgh Council will offer assistance to the company as we work our way through the challenges encountered in recent weeks. I welcome this support and I know that we’ll be able to maintain a strong and secure company. I look forward to working with everyone involved to achieve this.”

Mr Depledge is a non-executive director of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company and has recently worked on policy work in London and Brussels. He will remain interim chairman until a permanent chair is appointed.