Go North East MD stepping down from role after more than 40 years

Go North East’s managing director, Kevin Carr is to retire in June after working at the company for more than 40 years.

Under his leadership, Go North East has invested £44m in new vehicles and its new ‘super depot’ in Gateshead, as well as spearheading innovations in engineering including the first low-floor step-free bus outside London.

Commenting on today’s announcement, David Brown, chief executive of Go Ahead Plc, said: “With his expert understanding of transport and standing in the North-East business community, Kevin has been a strong leader for Go North East.

“He leaves behind him a fantastic legacy, great culture and strong management team which will continue its successful work in the North East.”

Employing over 2,100 local people, with a fleet of almost 700 buses and coaches and an annual turnover of £100m, Go North East transports around 200,000 people on its bus services every day.

During Kevin’s tenure, the business has focused on making the everyday bus a better choice for travellers and invested in enhanced on-board facilities, value for money ticketing and making buses a more environmentally-friendly way to travel.

Kevin said: “After 43 years, it is with great sadness that I leave Go North East, but I feel it is time for someone else to lead.

“I am privileged to have seen the business change and grow into the well-established and much-loved company it is today.”

Kevin joined Go North East as an apprentice engineer in 1975. He worked his way through the business undertaking several positions spanning technical engineer, works manager, general manager, operations director and finally, managing director.

As chair of the North-East Bus Operators’ Association, Kevin has also played a key role in helping shape transport policy.

Kevin’s successor will be announced in the coming months.

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