– UK – Optare plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Enrico Vassallo to the Board of the Company in the role of Chief Executive Officer with effect from 7 October 2013. Per Gustav (known as “PG”) Nilsson who has been acting as interim CEO since 1 January 2013 has stepped down from the Board at the same time. The Company would like to thank PG for his contribution to the Company over the last few years and wishes him well for the future. Glenn Saint continues in his role as Deputy CEO.
Mr Vassallo, 45, first joined the Company at the beginning of September 2013 as CEO of its principal operating company Optare Group Limited. Mr Vassallo joins the Company from FPT Industrial, the division of Fiat Industrial which develops and manufactures diesel engines, axles and transmissions for industrial applications, where he was the President responsible for the group’s operations in Latin America. Prior to that Mr Vassallo held various senior management positions in Fiat bus division, IVECO Irisbus.
Yorkshire based Optare is one of Britain’s leading bus makers and is 75% per cent owned by Ashok Leyland, which is among the top five global bus producers.
Speaking of his appointment to the Optare plc Board, Chairman John Fickling, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Enrico to the Board. He brings a wealth of international sales experience in the bus industry gained in several of the key markets that we are targeting as part of our strategic aim of developing a stronger export business.
About Optare
Optare is a leading British manufacturer of urban buses with a modern assembly facility near Leeds, Yorkshire, employing more than 400 people. Its award-winning range of buses feature an integral design and efficient diesel engines, plus an industry-leading choice of electric and hybrid units utilising the latest low carbon technology.
The Optare Group PLC part of Ashok Leyland, one of the top five global bus producers, and part of the Hinduja Group.
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