The Go-Ahead Group announces the appointment of Mr Leonard Lee as Managing Director (MD) to lead its bus business in Singapore, with responsibility for overseeing a team of more than 1,000 people, with effect from today, 2 October 2023.
Mr Lee is the first Singaporean to be selected for this pivotal role, highlighting the Group’s commitment to local talent. He succeeds Mr Andrew (Andy) Thompson, who will be returning to the UK to take up a new role for Go-Ahead Group.
Formerly the Engineering Director of Go-Ahead Singapore, Mr Lee brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Since the company commenced operations in 2016, he has overseen several innovations, including the launch of the first solar panel-fitted buses in Singapore, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption. Additionally, he spearheaded the implementation of digitalisation tools and an industry- leading real-time Vehicle Health Telematics (VHT) system, optimising predictive maintenance efforts and reducing manual workload. In 2016, Go-Ahead Singapore trialled Singapore’s first electric public bus, and Mr Lee was instrumental in its implementation. Mr Lee heads the ISO Quality and Sustainability Committees at Go-Ahead Singapore and has played a pivotal role in the development of the company’s Green and Sustainable Plan, aligning it with the Group’s commitment to achieving a net-zero carbon status by 2045. This goal is in line with Singapore’s commitment to climate action.
Prior to joining Go-Ahead, Mr Lee worked at PSA Corporation, one of the world’s largest container port operators. He holds a degree in engineering from Nanyang Technological University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Manchester.
The change of leadership comes after a period of prolonged success for Go-Ahead Singapore. The company operates 440 buses on 31 routes on the island with a commuter satisfaction score of over 90%.
Go-Ahead Singapore’s contract to operate buses was extended by the Land Transport Authority last year and runs until 2026.
Mr Christian Schreyer, Group Chief Executive of The Go-Ahead Group, said: “Our buses carry thousands of people every day in Singapore, and our colleagues do a great job every day in providing safe, reliable, and comfortable bus journeys. We’re committed to investing in, and expanding, Go-Ahead Singapore. Leonard is a terrific leader who knows the bus business inside out, and he is the ideal person to take the company to its next stage in development.”
Mr Schreyer added, “Andy has been an exceptional managing director over the last four years. Under his tenure, we’ve become a well-established player in Singapore’s public transport sector, earning a reputation for innovation. We have adapted concepts from our UK operations such as the Helping Hand scheme, piloted a successful solar panel bus trial, and promoted a cycling awareness session, all aimed at making Singapore’s public transport system better. I’m pleased that he will be staying with The Go-Ahead Group.”
Mr Lee said, “I am excited and truly honoured to be appointed to this role. I would like to thank Andy for his guidance and tremendous support over the years. Under his leadership, Go-Ahead Singapore has set a high standard, and I look forward to building on this legacy and driving our company’s continued success.”
