New leadership team in place at First Bus
First Bus has confirmed a number of changes to its Managing Directors across the UK.
The changes follow a restructure of the business in 2025, and will allow a focus on three distinct areas; Regional Bus (non-franchised areas), First Bus Government (areas operating or about to operate franchised areas) and Business and Coach (covering the coach and corporate transport market).
Heading up the Regional Bus business, as well as First Bus London, is Managing Director Colin Brown, whose area is split across three regions led by new Regional Directors; Andy Cullen for Scotland and York, Doug Claringbold for South and West, and Simon Mathieson for East and Midlands. Bill Cahill will continue as the local Managing Director for the London business.
The First Bus Government area is led by Managing Director Gary Hitchmough, with help from his top team including new roles for Zoe Hands as Managing Director Franchising (Rochdale, Transport for Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and South Yorkshire Combined Authority), and Gavin Smith as Solution and Mobilisation Director.
Within the Business and Coach area Managing Director Andrew Jarvis will be supported by Simon Cursio in a new role as Managing Director for Specialist Transport Solutions, who will oversee the leadership of the existing Somerset Passenger Solutions, First Travel Solutions and Specialist Passenger Solutions.
Janette Bell, First Bus Managing Director, said: “As the bus sector continues to evolve, we need to adapt the way we operate and ensure our business focuses on the three distinct areas which will allow us to grow and deliver for our customers.
“This restructure and appointment of new leadership will strengthen accountability, simplify decision-making and ensure we have the right leadership capacity and capability in place to support performance today and in the future.”