21. July 2022
Flix SE Launches Flix North America, Inc. to Increase Business Synergies and Oversee U.S., Canada, and Mexico Operations for FlixBus Inc. and Greyhound Lines, Inc.
++ Flix North America, Inc. structured to improve efficiency, amplify strengths to both companies
++ Greyhound Lines, Inc. and FlixBus Inc. will remain separate companies
++ Kadir “Kai” Boysan named CEO of Flix North America, Inc.
++ CEO Greyhound Lines, Dave Leach, to retire at end of 2022
Flix SE, the global mobility provider that operates FlixBus, FlixTrain, Kâmil Koç, and Greyhound Lines, Inc. (“Greyhound”) announces the introduction of Flix North America, Inc. (“Flix North America”). This entity, based in Dallas, will oversee operations for both Greyhound and FlixBus across North America.
“The acquisition of Greyhound last year was a major step forward for Flix; the expansion into two brands helped achieve an integral part of our growth strategy to build our global presence,” said André Schwämmlein, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flix SE. “By increasing synergies of both brands under Flix North America Inc, we can continue to provide consumers an affordable, comfortable, smart, and sustainable mobility solution much more efficiently.”
Key to the Dallas-based entity, is a new leadership team, led by newly appointed CEO Kadir “Kai” Boysan, former CEO of Kâmil Koç Buses, Inc. Boysan has worked with Flix since the company acquired Kâmil Koç in 2019, bringing valuable experience from leading the brand’s operations in Türkiye.
Greyhound Lines Inc. CEO Dave Leach, who has been with the company for over 30 years, will retire at the end of 2022. Leach will remain with the company as a strategic advisor until his retirement. He will hand over to COO and President Bill Blankenship who is with Greyhound for 25 years. “Dave’s leadership and expertise has been an important influence on how we have been able to create a strong foundation for a path forward,” said Schwämmlein. Leach first joined Greyhound in 1986 as a baggage handler and worked his way up to leading the iconic brand as CEO in 2007.
“And for over 30 years I have been proud to be a part of such an incredible team and legendary brand. I have every confidence that Kai and Flix North America will not only protect that legacy but improve upon it with its global approach, smart technology, and an environmental-friendly focus. I look forward to seeing the future innovations this new entity will bring both to the intercity bus sector and its ability to better serve communities across the U.S.” Flix acquired Greyhound in the USA last year. Both Kâmil Koç and Greyhound are well-established companies and brands which can look back on a century in the travel business.
The new structure in the US also involves a change in the Kâmil Koç business in Türkiye. Cagatay Kepek, currently Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, becomes the new CEO of Kâmil Koç.
About Flix
Flix intends to transform the public transport sector by offering sustainable and affordable long-distance bus- and train travel solutions in more than 40 countries across four continents. With its asset-light business model and innovative technology platform, Flix, launched in 2013 swiftly established a market-leading position for long-distance bus travel in Europe, North America and Türkiye and is rapidly expanding further into South America and India through its brands FlixBus, FlixTrain, Kamil Koç, and Greyhound.
Driven by increased awareness for sustainable travel, Flix aims to become carbon neutral in Europe by 2040 and globally by 2050. To assess its progress within a scientifically recognized framework, Flix established near-term targets for emissions reduction with the Science Based Targets initiative.
While Flix manages the commercial side of the business such as network planning, pricing, operations control, marketing and sales, quality management and continuous product development with a data-driven approach, trusted Flix partners conduct the daily operations. The innovative combination of Flix’s technology and sales platform with traditional passenger travel has turned a European start-up into a leading and globally expanding travel tech company.
For more information, please visit corporate.flix.com