National Express CEO leaves for Persimmon earlier than planned

Bus operator National Express' chief executive Dean Finch will leave the company at the end of August, earlier than originally planned.

Finch, who will take over the CEO role at housebuilder Persimmon, was originally expected to start his new role at the end of 2020.

The CEO will be succeeded at National Express on an interim basis by chief financial officer Chris Davies.

National Express added that with Davies taking over the position until a permanent appointment can be made, the group's search for a new CEO was "progressing well", with both internal and external candidates under consideration.

As of 0850 BST, Persimmon shares were down 1.24% at 2,787.0p, while National Express shares were 4.17% lower at 135.70p.