Appointments: Stagecoach names new Manchester MD, XCAP hires former WH Ireland team and more

BUS firm Stagecoach Manchester has appointed Chris Bowles as its new managing director.

Bowles moves into the role having previously held the post of Stagecoach North West managing director since 2006.

He will now take charge of the Manchester operations of Perth-based Stagecoach, which has a fleet of more than 700 buses and over 1,800 members of staff based across four depots at Bowles started his career with Stagecoach when it acquired Stockport, Ashton, Princess Road and Hyde Road in Manchester.

Bowles has more than 30 years’ experience in the sector. He began his career with Stagecoach in 1996 when the firm acquired the former GM Buses South business.

He succeeds former managing director, Mark Threapleton, who was recently appointed to head Stagecoach’s East London Bus Group business, which was acquired last month in a £53 million deal.

“I am delighted to be returning to the city where I started my career,” said Bowles.

“Having worked for various divisions of Stagecoach in a number of roles over the past 14 years, I have built up an extensive bank of knowledge and experience which I intend to put to good use in Manchester.”

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Investment banking firm XCAP Securities, which floated on the stock exchange last month, has recruited a team of five stockbrokers from Manchester-based rival WH Ireland.

Alan Freeman, Drew Garland, Geoff Lord, James Igoe and Kas Kabbani have all joined the business and will work from its Crown House office on Manchester Road in Wilmslow.

They will advise on a range of private client services, portfolio management, advisory services and execution dealings.

Commenting on their decision to join XCAP in Wilmslow, Lord said: “This is an exciting move for us all.

“XCAP is a new and dynamic business with huge potential. Our Wilmslow location is absolutely ideal – allowing us to service a regional and national client base.”

XCAP chief executive Daron Lee said: “XCAP is committed to quality stockbroking and I am delighted to welcome such an experienced and highly regarded team.

“Our Wilmslow team will enjoy the independence which has enabled them to provide personally- tailored services to private clients, charities and corporate bodies over many years.”

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Manchester-based legal recruiter Douglas Scott has appointed Amy Openshaw to its North West recruitment team.

Openshaw has six years of experience working in financial recruitment for firms such as Reed and The SF Group.

Douglas Scott director Kathryn Riley said: “Amy’s appointment is a great addition to the team. Her experience working within a competitive market in a professional industry will hold her in good stead for the work she will be doing here.”