Stephen O'Brien Headshot Motability OperationsMotability Operations has appointed The Right Honourable Sir Stephen O’Brien as its new Chairman following the retirement of the former Chairman Neil Johnson at the end of March 2019.

Contracted by Motability (the charity) to operate the scheme which provides disabled drivers with a vehicle in return for direct access to their £58-a-week mobility benefits, Motability Operations and Johnson made headlines at the end of 2018 regarding the organisation’s financial management, including large reserves of funds and excessive salaries and bonuses paid to top executives.

Amidst the scandal in December 2018, CEO Mike Betts announced he would step down by no later than May 2020, whilst Johnson, who had already announced he was to retire in April 2019 three years previously after almost 18 years of service.

Sir Stephen, a qualified solicitor and former International Director and Group Secretary of FTSE 100 listed global building materials company, Redland plc, will succeed Johnson in the role after joining the Mobility Operations Board as Chairman-designate in January 2019.

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Alongside his business experience, Sir Stephen also boasts a distinguished track record as a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party for 16 years, as well as the former United Nations Under-Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs & Emergency Relief Coordinator.

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 Johnson.

“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,” said Sir Stephen on behalf of the Board.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/MOT20081555.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/MOT20081555-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettAnalysis & InsightsNew to the TeamNewsroomThird SectorBoard,CEO,Chairman,charity,Chief Executive,FSTE100,lease scheme,Mike Betts,Motability,Motability Operations,MP,NAO,Neil Johnson,Redland,Sir Stephen O'Brien,United Nations Under-Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs & Emergency Relief CoordinatorMotability Operations has appointed The Right Honourable Sir Stephen O’Brien as its new Chairman following the retirement of the former Chairman Neil Johnson at the end of March 2019. Contracted by Motability (the charity) to operate the scheme which provides disabled drivers with a vehicle in return for direct access...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals