Three months after commencing public operations, the newly established National Bus Company (NBC) has announced the departure of its inaugural chief executive, Susana Vanzie. The transition, which was foreshadowed months in advance by top government transportation officials, has left the organization searching for a permanent replacement to lead the state-owned bus service.
Vanzie, a professional with roots in Floralia, was handpicked by the NBC board of directors to guide the company through its critical launch phase. She oversaw the start of public service operations when NBC officially opened for business on March 1, 2026. Her departure was formally confirmed in an official company press release issued on May 19, 2026, and within hours of the announcement, the organization published a public job posting to recruit her successor.
The exit of Vanzie comes as no surprise to industry observers, as Transport Minister Dr Louis Zabaneh explicitly framed the initial launch leadership team as a temporary arrangement from the outset. Speaking just days after NBC kicked off services in early March, Zabaneh clarified that the entire initial management cohort was hired on a three-month probationary footing. He noted at the time that Vanzie’s selection as the founding CEO had been completed by the independent NBC board, and any decision on a permanent appointment would hinge on whether the board determined her performance met required operational standards.
Despite the leadership change at the top, NBC has moved quickly to reassure passengers and stakeholders that all regular bus services continue to operate as scheduled with no disruptions. In the interim period between Vanzie’s departure and the appointment of a new chief executive, the company’s existing regional management structure has been empowered to oversee day-to-day operations and keep services running smoothly. Notably, Vanzie will not sever all ties with the organization following her exit from the CEO role; she will retain her stake in NBC as a company shareholder.