Flix SE, the German global transportation giant, has unveiled Flix North America, which will oversee operations for both Greyhound Lines and FlixBus across North America.
Flix North America is the largest intercity bus transportation provider in North America. It provides services in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with more than 2,500 destinations across its network.
“The acquisition of Greyhound last year was a major step forward for Flix; the expansion into two brands helped achieve an integral part of our growth strategy to build our global presence,” said André Schwämmlein, Founder and CEO of Flix SE, in a statement. “By increasing synergies of both brands under Flix North America, we will continue to provide consumers with an affordable, comfortable, smart and sustainable transportation solution much more efficiently.”
Key to the organization is a new executive team, the company announced. It will be led by newly appointed CEO Kadir “Kai” Boysan, former CEO of Kâmil Koç Buses. Boysan has worked with Flix since the company acquired Kamil Koç in 2019, bringing valuable experience from leading the brand’s operations in Türkiye (formerly Turkey).
Greyhound CEO to retire
Greyhound CEO Dave Leach, who has been with the company for more than 30 years, will retire at the end of 2022. Leach will remain with the company as a strategic adviser until his retirement.
“Dave’s leadership and expertise have been an important influence on how we have been able to create a strong foundation for the path forward,” said Schwämmlein.
Leach first joined Greyhound in 1986 as a baggage handler and worked his way up to lead the iconic brand as CEO in 2007.
“For more than 100 years, Greyhound provided accessible travel across North America,” Leach said. “And for over 30 years, I have been proud to be a part of such an incredible team and legendary brand. I have every confidence that Kai and Flix North America will not only protect that legacy but improve upon it with its global approach, smart technology and an environmentally friendly focus. I look forward to seeing the future innovations this new entity will bring both to the intercity bus sector and its ability to better serve communities across the U.S.”
Changes effective immediately
Other executives of Flix North America include:
- Nathan Oujezdsky, former Vice President of Commercial Finance for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits takes the post of chief financial officer (CFO) at Flex North America.
- Bill Blankenship, with Greyhound for 25 years, will take over from Leach as President of Greyhound Lines and continue as chief operating officer (COO).
- Pierre Gourdain, who joined Flix in 2015, will lead FlixBus as President and COO.
Former interim CFO of Greyhound, Cork Van Den Handel, is stepping down from his Greyhound role.
The new structure is effective immediately. It comes after Flix’s acquisition of Greyhound nine months ago, having purchased the largest provider of long-distance bus transportation in the United States, from FirstGroup.
“FlixBus and Greyhound’s dedication to consumers has made them both leaders in the intercity bus industry,” said Boysan in a statement. “Now, with Flix North America, we can harness both brands’ strengths and provide the best, most accessible transportation solution. Together with the existing team, we will push boundaries and work toward profitable growth.”
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