17. Ray O'Toole, Chief Executive - UK, National Express Group

Bowker’s UK chief

Ray O’Toole’s position was somewhat uncertain after Phil White decided to step down as Chief Executive of National Express Group in 2006. O’Toole, 51, was part of White’s close-knit “Yorkshire mafia”, a group of executives who first worked together at bus company Yorkshire Rider and dominated the National Express boardroom. White’s departure and the subsequent arrival of Richard Bowker as Chief Executive signalled the beginning of a new era for the...