New non-exec for Optare
LANCASHIRE bus maker Optare has appointed the head of a Newcastle IT business as a non-executive director.
David Stonehouse is currently chief executive of the Technology Services Group, a £35m turnover business supplying IT services to SMEs.
From 2002-08 he was the chairman, and latterly a non-executive director, at accountancy firm UNW. Prior to that he was at holiday parks group Parkdean Holidays where he was instrumental in advising the company on its AIM flotation and £28m fundraising in May 2002.
Mr Stonehouse trained as a chartered accountant at Arthur Young, moving to Price Waterhouse in 1985. He remained there for 10 years, becoming a partner in 1989.
Optare’s chief executive, Andrew Brian, said: “We are delighted to welcome David to the board. He brings significant experience of working with growth companies across a range of industries, and will provide a fresh perspective on our business.
“In his previous roles, David has been instrumental in integrating acquisitions and improving efficiency, a key focus for us over the next year. When combined with his experience as a plc director and previous history as a chartered accountant, his appointment will significantly strengthen our board and we look forward to working with him.”
In recent weeks John Fickling replaced Roy Stanley as non-executive chairman of the Blackburn business and David Maughan was appointed as a non-executive director.
