Sir Stephen O'Brien - Motability Operations Chairman

Motability Operations Group plc appoints new Chairman

The Board of Motability Operations Group plc is pleased to welcome its new Chairman, The Right Honourable Sir Stephen O’Brien, who started in his new role on 1 April.

Sir Stephen, who joined the Board as Chairman-designate in January, has a distinguished track record as a Member of Parliament and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs & Emergency Relief Coordinator. Prior to this role, whilst MP for Eddisbury, he served as Permanent Under-Secretary of State for International Development in the Coalition Government, as well as in a series of shadow ministerial roles before that.

Before entering politics, Sir Stephen was International Director and Group Secretary of FTSE 100 listed global building materials company, Redland plc, and before that a Solicitor with Freshfields in the City of London. He is a Privy Counsellor and was knighted in 2017 for his achievements and commitments to humanitarian action, global health and international development.

Sir Stephen said:

"I am delighted to be joining Motability Operations Group plc. This is an excellent company delivering first class service to meet the needs of our 630,000 customers. I look forward to contributing to the Scheme’s further success, and working with the whole Board to deliver the strategy."

The Board of Motability Operations Group plc also paid tribute to the outgoing Chairman, Neil Johnson, who retired in March, for his nearly 18 years’ service to the Company. On behalf of the Board, Sir Stephen said:

"Neil guided the transformation of the business into a successful professional and commercial operation, and the Board has benefited greatly from his skills and experience. We wish him well in his next steps."