ARRIVA plc has appointed Bob Davies as its new chief executive to replace retiring chief executive Gordon Hodgson. The group has been looking for a chief executive since managing director Michael Gwilt, chief executive elect, resigned last June.

Davies was chief executive of East Midlands Electricity until its recent acquisition by Powergen, and had also held senior positions with Ford and Ford Credit during a 15-year career with the manufacturer. Accepting the post, he said it was far too early to discuss the future strategic development of Arriva, and in particular Arriva Automotive Solutions which was recently withdrawn from sale after the group failed to find a buyer.

Sir James McKinnon, non-executive chairman of Arriva, said: 'Bob Davies is a highly-regarded chief executive with significant experience in working with the City, a strong track record in developing service-orientated businesses and has 15 years in the international motor industry.'