Former Aston Martin engineering chief joins Wrightbus as CTO to accelerate net zero transport

Former Aston Martin engineering chief Paul Thomas has been appointed Group Chief Technology Officer at Wrightbus, Ballymena.

Wrightbus, the UK’s leading zero-emission bus manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Paul Thomas, a former engineering chief at Aston Martin, as its new Group Chief Technology Officer.

With over three decades of experience in the global automotive industry, Thomas brings a wealth of expertise to the Ballymena-based company at a time of rapid growth and innovation in sustainable passenger transport.

Beginning his career as a heavy goods mechanic, Thomas built a strong foundation in vehicle systems before advancing to senior roles with some of the world’s most innovative automotive companies — including Tesla, Byton, Rimac Technology and Verne.

His work has contributed to major developments in electric mobility, high-performance vehicle design, and next-generation transportation technology.

In his new role, Thomas will lead the technology strategy for Wrightbus, overseeing the continued development of zero-emission buses and supporting the company’s mission to deliver sustainable public transport solutions across the UK and Europe.

Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales welcomed the appointment, saying:

“Paul is committed to a vision of transport that is not only clean and efficient, but also accessible, inclusive, and future-ready. His experience and leadership will be vital as we look for improve and expand our portfolio of zero-emission passenger vehicles.”

He continued:

“Throughout his career, Paul has been recognised for his ability to bridge technical depth with visionary thinking, fostering innovation that delivers real-world impact.

“In another record-breaking year for Wrightbus, and with our portfolio of vehicles continuing to expand, we’re looking forward to seeing how his input helps us decarbonise passenger transport faster and with more efficiency.”

Wrightbus, which manufactures the hydrogen double-decker buses seen on routes across the UK, has already delivered more than 2,000 zero-emission buses across the UK and Europe. It remains the fastest growing bus manufacturer in both regions.

Paul Thomas said the opportunity to join Wrightbus at a transformative moment in public transport was one he couldn’t pass up.

“It’s an exciting time to join Wrightbus thanks to its reputation for being the benchmark for net zero transport transformation,” he said.

“After working across the automotive sector for so long, I’m a firm believer that sustainable transport must go beyond electrification — it should be part of a broader ecosystem that integrates renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and circular design principles.

“I’m keen to help create a world where mobility enhances quality of life, reduces environmental impact, and supports the transition to a low-carbon economy – and I’m looking forward to being able to do that with Wrightbus, working alongside some of the very best in the business.”

As governments and transport networks increase their commitment to carbon reduction and clean energy solutions, Wrightbus’s latest strategic hire signals a bold step forward in consolidating its role as a global leader in next-generation mobility.