Existing non-executive director, John Fickling, becomes non-executive chairman in succession to North East businessman Roy Stanley, who has stepped down from his role as executive chairman to become a non-executive director.

Mr Stanley bought Optare in March and made Optare's managing director, Bob Coombes, redundant in May.

In June, Optare changed owners again when Blackburn bus builder Darwen Holdings plc agreed to acquire its holding company, Jamesstan Investments Ltd, in a £15.95m deal.

Chief executive of Optare, Andrew Brian, said: "Since our acquisition of Optare in July, we have grown into the UK's second largest bus manufacturer and have benefited hugely from Roy Stanley's chairmanship, during which he has been instrumental in our acquisition programme, AIM listing and initial integration phase."

Mr Fickling, who has 25 years' experience in the bus industry, added: "I am delighted to have been appointed non-executive chairman and look forward to working closely with our customers, business partners and employees to develop a stronger and more competitive business.

"We are making good progress in the appointment of additional non-executive directors and expect to make a further announcement in this regard shortly."

Optare has been seeking volunteers for redundancy as the firm looks to shed jobs. The company has refused to comment on reports that a minimum of 90 posts are likely to go at its Cross Gates factory which, together with its predecessor Charles H Roe, shares a long and proud history in Leeds.

Optare, which is based in Manston Lane, was formed in 1985 by workers from the former Charles H Roe company which was closed by British Leyland a year before. Roe had been at the Leeds site since 1923.

A planning application was submitted - and rejected - earlier this year to build housing on the Cross Gates site with the firm's then owners suggesting they would relocate to a new, unspecified location in West Yorkshire.

The new owners announced the proposed redundancies on Friday, July 25, and the process is ongoing despite the firm winning a series of multi-million pound contracts.

The company has been holding a series of what it describes as "coffee and doughnut" sessions with staff and union representatives over its plans.

Optare employs around 550 staff and has a turnover of £60m.

It is best known for supplying buses to Stagecoach, Go-Ahead and First Group and is developing hybrid diesel electric buses which do less harm to the environment.