Firstgroup said Wilson, currently a non-executive director at NatWest Group, will succeed interim chair Peter Lynas, who took over the job following David Martin's retirement on 10 September.

Lynas said: "We are delighted that Lena will be joining us to chair our board, bringing substantial experience from both the public and private sector combined with a strong track record as a non-executive director. We also thank David Martin for his service to the group over the last five years."

As of 0905 BST, Firstgroup shares were down 0.38% at 158.20p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com