Harris Bus & Coach has appointed Dave Porter as Managing Director, with responsibility for the business across the UK and Ireland, as it accelerates the growth of the HIGER brand and strengthens its position in the respective bus and coach markets. The appointment follows Bill Laidlaw’s move to Chief Operating Officer of Harris Group.
Porter joins Harris Bus & Coach with almost 40 years of experience spanning manufacture, customer service, operations, sales and senior leadership roles across some of the industry’s most respected organisations.
As Managing Director, Porter will spearhead Harris Bus & Coach’s ambitious plans for HIGER in both the UK and Ireland markets, leading continued investment in the dealer networks, strengthening customer relationships and ensuring the business delivers exceptional support for operators.
His appointment comes at a defining stage in the company’s growth, with further additions to the HIGER product portfolio planned, an expanding nationwide dealer footprint and the introduction of a market-leading five-year / 500,000km warranty across the HIGER V-Series coach range.
Porter believes Harris Bus & Coach is uniquely placed to capitalise on changing dynamics within the market. “There is a huge opportunity for Harris Bus & Coach in the UK and Ireland,” he said, “Operators want more than just a good product; they want honesty, consistency and the confidence that they’ll be supported long after the keys are handed over. Trust isn’t given in this industry; it’s earned, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do.
“We’re proud of our partnership with HIGER,” said Porter, “It is a world-class manufacturer with exceptional capability, and together we’re bringing something genuinely different to market. By investing in our dealer network, listening to customers and backing every vehicle with outstanding support, we can build a business that people genuinely want to work with.”
He added, “This is an ambitious business prepared to invest, challenge convention and think long-term. The foundations are already in place, but I believe the best is still to come. I’m excited to work alongside our colleagues, dealer partners and customers as we build something very special together.”
Beginning his career as an apprentice coach builder with Yeates in 1987, Porter progressed through the ranks at Volvo, ultimately leading its UK and Ireland coach sales operations. He subsequently held senior positions with Van Hool and Wrightbus, gaining extensive experience across premium coaches, zero-emission technologies and the introduction of new products into market.
