Graham Cole FCA, Non-executive Chairman
Graham qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Blackburn Robson Coates. Having moved to Deloitte Haskins & Sells in 1971, he became a partner in 1979 and was a founder partner of the firm’s corporate finance division. Graham was involved in the creation of the Alternative Investment Market and in 1995, joined Beeson Gregory as a director where he advised domestic and international companies on their strategies for growth and capital raising. Graham is a co-founder of the Quoted Companies Alliance and a non-executive director of Vantis plc, Ashton Penney plc, Recruitment Investment Group Ltd and Ideal Shopping Direct plc..As Chairman of the Board, Graham is responsible for setting its agenda, leading the Directors and guiding the Board towards meeting our corporate objectives, as well as evaluating individual performance of the Directors.
Graham is a co-founder of the Quoted Companies Alliance and a non-executive Director of Recruitment Investment Group Ltd, Ideal Shopping Direct plc and Thalassa Holdings plc.
Stephanie Manuel FRSA LLAM, Artistic Director and Joint Managing Director
Prior to founding Stagecoach with David Sprigg in 1988, Stephanie was an actress, writer and drama teacher. She developed the idea of a national network of performing arts schools for young people following her own experience in bringing up her children. She identified a gap in the market for quality tuition in the performing arts – dance, drama and singing. Stephanie has primarily been responsible for establishing the Stagecoach brand and setting the ethos and high standards of tuition, a hallmark of all Stagecoach schools.Stephanie continues to be responsible for ensuring the high standards of performing arts education are maintained throughout the network.
Stephanie is a member of the Nominations Committee.
David Sprigg FRSA ACIB, Joint Managing Director
David co-founded Stagecoach in 1988 with Stephanie Manuel. Previously, he gained extensive experience in the development and growth of companies working with small and medium sized enterprises and in international trade through his work for Barclays Bank, which he joined in 1975. David has primarily been responsible for establishing the systems and procedures of Stagecoach and managing the franchise operations.David is responsible for the operational side of the business, including managing the franchise network.
Richard Dawson ACA, Finance Director
Richard qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG and in 1995 moved to Bank of Scotland as a corporate finance manager. In 1999, Richard co-founded a price comparison shopping website, before joining Thomson Intermedia as its finance director where he was responsible for managing its flotation in 2000. Richard joined the Board of Stagecoach in 2001 to manage the flotation process and carry out the duties of finance director.Richard is responsible for all financial aspects of the business, and managing the investor relations. He is also the managing director of Stagecoach USA and Canada.
Manzoor Ishani FRSA FSALS, Franchise Development Director
Manzoor Ishani, a solicitor specialising in international and UK franchising for more than 30 years, joined the Group and was appointed to the Board in 2002. He has assisted franchisors to franchise into 30 countries, and has written numerous books and articles on franchising. He is a member of several professional bodies and a former member of the Legal Committee of the British Franchise Association.Manzoor is responsible for franchise compliance and development, and managing the German Stagecoach operations.
