THE boss of a regional bus operator is stepping down.
Phil Medlicott is leaving Stagecoach North East.
Mr Medlicott took over as managing director of the business, which operates services across Newcastle, South Shields, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Teesside, in 2012.
He said he is departing to take on new challenges.
He added: “I’ve been fortunate to work with some very talented and committed people at Stagecoach and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.
"I wish my colleagues the best for the future.”
Mr Medlicott, a qualified bus driver, joined the Stagecoach business in 2000 as operations director for Stagecoach South, and has since held a number of senior roles across England, including managing director at Stagecoach Warwickshire and Stagecoach South East.
He started driving in the 1980s and then moved up the ranks to management jobs in London and his native Merseyside.
Robert Montgomery, Stagecoach UK Bus managing director, said Mr Medlicott will be missed.
He added: “Phil has made a significant contribution to the development of a number of our regional bus services across England.
“He has made a particularly strong impact in the North-East, where our package has helped deliver one of the highest levels of bus use in Britain.
"I would like to wish him well in the next stage of his career.”
The search for his replacement has already started, with Clare Kavanagh, Stagecoach UK Bus’ strategy director, taking over on an interim basis.
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