(Alliance News) - National Express Group PLC on Monday it confirmed James Stamp as its permanent chief financial officer with immediate effect, having served as interim CFO since November 1 and been with the company since July 2017.

The Birmingham, England-based transport provider said the decision was made following a recruitment process involving both internal and external candidates.

Prior to his appointment as interim CFO, Stamp served as CFO for National Express's UK & Germany division and as group commercial & strategy director. He is a qualified chartered accountant with over 25 years of experience in finance and consulting.

Stamp was previously a partner at professional services firm KPMG, where he led its transport practice.

"James's experience with the business, and the breadth of roles he has held within the company, give him a deep insight into our global operations and Evolve strategy. He brings a highly complementary skillset to the executive team and will be central to the next phase of National Express's development. James landed very effectively as interim group CFO making an immediate impact which I am delighted is reflected in the board's swift decision and today's announcement," said Chief Executive Ignacio Garat.

The 'evolve' strategy is what National Express calls its outlook plan, focusing on easing congestion, sustainability, multi-modal expansion and encouraging a shift away from private car use. Stamp led on this during his time as group commercial & strategy director for the bus and train operator.

Shares in National Express were up 0.1% to 171.93 pence in London on Monday morning.

By Greg Rosenvinge; gregrosenvinge@alliancenews.com

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