Former Tesla and Lotus Executive joins Wrightbus as new group COO

Christian Reynolds appointed as new Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), Wrightbus

Wrightbus, the UK and Europe’s fastest-growing bus manufacturer, has announced the appointment of Christian Reynolds as its new Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a significant addition to its leadership team as it accelerates global expansion and net zero ambitions.

Christian Reynolds, 49, brings with him extensive international experience in the bus and automotive sectors, having held senior roles at Tesla, Lotus, and various firms across the US and Australia.

He joined Wrightbus in April and will split his time between the company’s manufacturing facilities in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Mr Reynolds said he was “impressed by the vision and commitment” of Wrightbus’s mission to decarbonise mass transit. His focus will be on boosting manufacturing efficiency and innovation to support the firm’s growing international footprint.

“The Wrightbus team has demonstrated its commitment to building scale and efficiency across its end-to-end manufacturing operations, from new vehicle production to its innovative repower programme – converting mid-life diesel buses to electric,” he said.

“Along with comprehensive refurbishment and repair services, the commitment to consistent improvement is contagious.”

Wrightbus, renowned for its hydrogen and electric buses, currently produces more than 1,200 vehicles annually and has been expanding rapidly thanks to its zero-emissions product portfolio.

Christian, who previously served as director of manufacturing at Tesla, was instrumental in industrialising the Tesla Roadster in the UK before helping to launch the Model S into series production in the United States.

He also held the position of executive director for sports car manufacturing at Lotus.

“I have been lucky to be involved in projects and businesses with both clear purpose and products which solve real world issues,” he said. “But the Wrightbus vision is deeply engaging, and to be part of the team that helps to decarbonise mass transport is pretty cool.”

The new Group COO praised the highly skilled workforce at both manufacturing sites:

“The business is built on deep manufacturing capability and knowledge; this for me is the magic of the Wrightbus factory. Taking raw materials and creating a vehicle bespoke to each operator’s requirements is really impressive.

“It’s not about a standard vehicle, it’s about giving the customer what they want and need. Seeing vehicles being custom built day-in and day-out is incredibly rewarding.”

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

“We have all been impressed by Christian’s enthusiasm and dedication to the role since he started with us.

“His experience in the bus and automotive worlds is right up there, but what is extra special is that Wrightbus can attract people of this calibre to our business. Our name is synonymous with zero emissions transport and market leadership, and the message is spreading around the world.”

Christian’s arrival is set to further enhance Wrightbus’s position as a global leader in the manufacture of sustainable transport solutions, supporting the UK’s green industrial strategy and cementing Northern Ireland’s place in the future of net zero transport.