Optare appoints Steve Norris as Independent Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chairman of the Board

– UK – Optare plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Norris as Independent Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.  Mr Norris simultaneously takes on the role of Deputy Chairman of the Board and will assist Optare in working with the UK bus industry to achieve greener bus travel and improved air quality in the UK.

Steven John Norris, 69, started his career in the engineering and motor industries, entering into politics in 1977 when he was elected to Berkshire County Council.  In 1983 he became the Member of Parliament for Oxford East and subsequently held various parliamentary positions until 1992 when he became the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport and Minister for Transport in London.  Mr Norris was responsible for the Jubilee line extension, the largest extension of the London Underground network to date.

Mr Norris is widely known for his interest in public transport. He possesses a wealth of experience and is either currently or has previously held roles as Chairman of the National Cycling Strategy Board, Director General of the Road Haulage Association and President of the Motor Cycle Industry Association, a Commissioner with the Independent Transport Commission, and a patron of the cyclists charity, Sustrans and of the Campaign for Better Transport (UK) Trust. Mr Norris holds an MA in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford.

Speaking of Mr Norris’ appointment to Optare, John Fickling, Chairman said, “I am very pleased to welcome Steven to the Company. He brings a wealth of experience in the public transport sector to the role.  Steven’s appointment will be pivotal to Optare working with the Government organisations and the UK Bus Industry to implement cleaner and greener public transport in the UK.”