BUS firm McGill’s has recruited respected industry figure David Martin, the former Arriva CEO, as a non-executive director.

Chairman James Easdale hinted the move has come in advance of McGill’s being floated on the stock market, describing Martin as having experience of managing flotations that will “prove invaluable.”

Martin, right, is credited as a driving force behind the expansion of Arriva to its current turnover of £3.3 billion and joins the Inverclyde-based operator during a period of growth which it hopes to accelerate.

Martin said: “The Easdale brothers have built a fantastic transport company and it has enormous potential for further expansion. I am excited to be involved at this stage in its development.”

Chairman James Easdale said: “McGill’s is entering a new phase with this appointment. David will be invaluable when it comes to new acquisitions, both here in the UK and abroad. His experience of managing flotations will also prove to be invaluable.”

Ralph Roberts, managing director of McGill’s, said: “David Martin is one of the leading figures in the transport industry and he oversaw the international development of Arriva across Europe and facilitated its acquisition by Deutsche Bahn in 2010. We are thrilled to have him as a non-executive director. He brings with him decades of experience and a vast expertise that will help us as we continue to expand.”

In its most recent financial results, McGill’s reported a rise in turnover to £40 million, accompanied by a rise in pre-tax profits of 12.5 per cent. Its workforce has increased by 47 per cent in the past five years.

Roberts added: “This is a dynamic time for the transport sector and McGill’s is at the forefront of adopting new technology, including the Scotland-wide smart payment scheme and the greater Glasgow bus to bus multi operator smart ticket scheme.

“We have replaced traditional ticketing machines with smart and mobile ticketing machines. Before the end of the summer we will have contactless technology across the whole business.”

McGill’s is owned by Arranglen Ltd, the investment vehicle of the Easdale family. Owned by Sandy and James Easdale, Arranglen and its subsidiary companies have a turnover of close to £100m.