NFI Group Announces Rob Marion as President of Motor Coach Industries
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, April 02, 2026 – NFI Group Inc. (NFI), a prominent manufacturer of buses and coaches, along with a provider of aftermarket parts and service solutions, has officially named Rob Marion as the new President of Motor Coach Industries (MCI). This appointment is effective immediately, starting today, April 2, 2026. Marion will report directly to John Sapp, the President and Chief Executive Officer of NFI.
Rob Marion's Extensive Background and Experience
Rob Marion began his career with New Flyer in 1994, accumulating over three decades of experience within the organization. Throughout his tenure, he has held progressively responsible roles in various areas, including facilities engineering, production, manufacturing engineering, and part fabrication. Most recently, Marion served as Vice President of Fabrication, where he was instrumental in driving operational excellence, quality improvement, and performance across all North American internal part fabrication and sub-assembly operations. These operations support NFI's bus and coach manufacturing, encompassing brands such as New Flyer, MCI, KMG, and Carfair Composites.
Strategic Re-establishment of MCI as a Dedicated Business
Following the retirement of former NFI President and CEO Paul Soubry in January 2026, who had been serving as interim President of MCI, Marion's appointment marks a strategic move to re-establish MCI as its own dedicated business unit. This decision allows both New Flyer and MCI to focus on their core strengths independently. Marion will assume full ownership of MCI's sales, engineering, manufacturing, service, and support functions, aiming to enhance the company's market position.
In 2020, NFI consolidated its New Flyer and MCI businesses into a single operating unit in response to the financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions. This consolidation was aimed at streamlining operations while strengthening engineering, supply, and product development platforms during a period of reduced market demand for MCI.
Leadership Insights and Future Directions
John Sapp, President and CEO of NFI, commented on the appointment, stating, "Today's announcement represents a natural and strategic time to re-establish MCI as its own dedicated business, allowing New Flyer and MCI to both focus on what they do best. MCI has seen significant market recovery, with the launch of new vehicle models, harmonized production lines, and an expanded service offering. Rob's deep operational experience, long-standing commitment to NFI, and three decades of hands-on operational leadership, with oversight of 10 facilities and over 2,000 team members, make him the ideal person to lead the next chapter of MCI."
Sapp added, "Rob will champion MCI's efforts in delivering the highest quality and most reliable coaches in the market and will work closely with the leadership team on a detailed transition. Our public and private customers can be confident that MCI is in very capable hands."
Rob Marion's Professional Credentials and Expertise
Rob Marion holds a Manufacturing Engineering Technology diploma from Red River College and has earned several professional designations, including:
- Chartered Manager (C.Mgr.) from the Canadian Institute of Management and the University of Manitoba
- Production and Inventory Management certificate from the Association for Operations Management
- Certified Engineering Technologist (CET)
- Certified in Management (C.I.M.)
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Additionally, Marion is an expert in lean manufacturing, holding a Certified Blackbelt accreditation through LEAN Sensei International and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the CWB Welding Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to industry excellence and innovation.
