A BUS and coach manufacturer is on the lookout for a new boss after the resignation of its chief executive.

Andrew Brian has been chief executive at Optare, Whitebirk, Blackburn, since August 2007 but has stepped down, saying personal reasons were behind his decision.

The company recently announced that it was relocating to Walker Business Park, Guide, from next year, in a move that would safeguard 300 jobs at the firm.

An Optare spokesman said: “During his time at Optare Mr Brian contributed to the modernisation of the business through the instigation of a comprehensive restructuring programme which leaves the organisation poised to build upon the success experienced to date as demonstrated by its healthy order book.”

Mr Brian has led the company as chief executive since the then Darwen Group acquired the business and assets of East Lancashire Coachbuilders Ltd and Leyland Product Developments Ltd.

In July it raised £16m of share capital to fund the take over of Jamesstan Investments Ltd, the holding firm of the Optare group of companies.

Following Mr Brian's departure, Mike Dunn, chief finance officer, will act as chief executive on an interim basis supported by John Fickling, executive chairman, and Chris Powell, chief operating officer, to ensure progress continues across all areas of the business.

The board is said it was looking to find a permanent replacement following Mr Brian’s departure.

Only last month Optare revealed it was in discussions with Leyland Trucks over possibly taking on some of the 247 workers threatened with redundancy at the truck manufacturer.