Coach industry leader Tom Stables named as next CPT President

November 03 2026

The Confederation of Passenger Transport has named Tom Stables as its next president, to take office at the CPT Conference in January 2027.

Tom has 25 years’ experience in the transport industry, most recently as Non-Executive Director of the Coach Travel Group. He will take on the role of CPT President from Kathryn Pulham on the completion of her 12-month term.

A well-known and respected industry leader, Tom helped bring together a network of independent coach operators to establish the Coach Travel Group between 2024 and 2026.

He previously spent 13 years at National Express, joining as Business Development Director and progressing through a number of senior roles to become UK Chief Executive. Earlier in his career, Tom held senior positions at FirstGroup and First Great Western, and he is a Chartered Accountant.

CPT President is an ambassadorial role championing the bus and coach sector, usually held by a senior industry figure. CPT is the representative voice of the industry with more than 800 members. The confederation recently expanded by creating Coach UK, a dedicated voice for coach operators.

Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “Tom is a terrific champion for the bus and coach sector. He brings huge experience, judgement and understanding of the industry and I’m pleased that he has agreed to become our next President.

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Kathryn Pulham for all her support over the course of the year. She has been a superb CPT President and we’ve benefited enormously from her perspective – particularly in the creation of Coach UK as a united voice for coach operators.”

Speaking about his appointment, Tom Stables said: “It’s a privilege to take on the presidency of the CPT. I’m looking forward to speaking up for bus and coach operators across the country – ranging from national names to entrepreneurial local businesses.

“Buses and coaches provide the backbone of public transport across the country, as well as supporting communities with vital local services. CPT fills a vital role in fighting our corner and in standing up for members’ interests.”

CPT’s annual conference and dinner, at which the presidency will change hands, will be held in London on January 21^st.