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News Category: People

Managing Director changes at Go-Ahead

26 January 2026

Managing Director changes at Go-Ahead

With Go North West securing the contract to operate services across the Wirral Peninsula, on behalf of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Go-Ahead has made some leadership changes for its Operating Companies.

Nigel Featham will continue to be Managing Director of Go North West but given this role has expanded to cover operations in both Greater Manchester and now Liverpool, he will no longer continue his role at Go North East.

Ben Gilligan, Managing Director of East Yorkshire Buses will become Managing Director of Go North East. Ben has been at East Yorkshire Buses since 2018 and has been Managing Director since 2022.

A new Managing Director for East Yorkshire Buses will be appointed in due course with Matt Ashton, Operations Director at Go North West covering the role on an interim basis.

Nigel, Ben and Matt will start their new roles from Monday 2nd February.

Martin Dean, Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead, commented: “Nigel has been a fantastic leader for Go North East and Go North West but with the new contract in Wirral he will now dedicate his time solely to Go North West. Ben will be an excellent Managing Director at Go North East and we’re very grateful for Matt’s help whilst we search for a new Managing Director for East Yorkshire Buses. These changes are a positive result of us growing our business and serving even more customers with our award winning  bus services.”

Full details of Go-Ahead’s Operating Company Leadership can be found https://www.go-ahead.com/who-we-are/people/leadership/.

 

New Managing Director appointed at Go South Coast  

18 November 2025

New Managing Director appointed at Go South Coast

Go-Ahead is pleased to confirm the appointment of Ed Wills as Managing Director of Go South Coast, effective 1 January 2026. 

Ed brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership within the Go-Ahead Group. This appointment will see Ed return to Go South Coast where he was Operations Director between 2010 and 2018 and where he began his career as a trainee at Southern Vectis. He has also served as Managing Director at Go-Ahead Ireland and as Managing Director for Bus Commercial Development at Go-Ahead Group. 

Ed will join Go South Coast from Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus, where he has been Managing Director since 2021. During that time he has strengthened the reputation of the company, overseen significant growth and driven the highest standards of accessibility – an area they are widely recognised as industry leaders. In addition to leading in accessibility, Brighton & Hove Buses has achieved exceptional customer service with their award-winning express route 1X and the newly launched 3X. They have also introduced the largest fleet of hydrogen buses in the UK. 

Ed succeeds Ben Murray, who has served as Interim Managing Director since the passing of Andrew Wickham MBE in May 2025. Ben will return to his role as Finance Director at Go South Coast when Ed arrives in January. 

Martin Dean, Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead Group, said: “Ed is an outstanding leader with deep operational expertise and a strong commitment to innovation and customer service. His experience across the Group, both in the UK and Ireland, makes him the ideal person to lead Go South Coast into its next chapter. I’d also like to thank Ben for his leadership of Go South Coast over recent months at a difficult time for the company following Andrew’s passing and once again pay tribute to Andrew whose contribution to the industry and the development of Go South Coast was truly remarkable.” 

Ed Wills, incoming Managing Director, Go South Coast, said: “It’s a privilege to return to Go South Coast and lead such a talented team. I look forward to building on Andrew’s legacy and working with our partners to deliver safe, reliable, and accessible services for our stakeholders and customers across the region.” 

Go-Ahead celebrates outstanding colleagues at first-ever Go-Ahead Gold awards 

13 November 2025

Go-Ahead celebrates outstanding colleagues at first-ever Go-Ahead Gold awards 

Last night, Go-Ahead proudly unveiled the winners of our first-ever Go-Ahead Gold awards, a new initiative designed to recognise and reward outstanding colleagues from across our Group. The awards highlight the everyday heroes and behind-the-scenes stars who keep Go-Ahead’s services running smoothly for customers and communities from Ireland to Singapore.  

Winners received prizes including an all-expenses-paid weekend getaway for two to one of Go-Ahead’s locations: Dublin, London, Stockholm, Oslo, or Singapore.  

Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus, commented: “We’re fortunate to have an incredible team who go above and beyond every day. These awards are one of the new ways we are recognising and celebrating our brilliant colleagues from across Go-Ahead. It’s a small way to say a big thank you for everything they do to deliver services for our customers and our communities.”  

Patrick Verwer, CEO, Go-Ahead Rail, added: “Every day, our colleagues go the extra mile to deliver great service, keep people safe, and support one another, often without fanfare. These awards are about shining a light on that dedication. It’s a privilege to celebrate the individuals and teams who make a real difference, and to say thank you for the passion they bring to Go-Ahead.” 

Thank you to the winners and to all of our colleagues for their brilliant work and dedication to Go-Ahead.  

New leadership appointed at Go-Ahead London

09 September 2025

New leadership appointed at Go-Ahead London

Go-Ahead announces the appointment of Andy Edwards as Managing Director, Go-Ahead London.

Andy has been an integral part of the leadership team at Go-Ahead London, as Operations Director, where he has driven performance improvements across the business, secured new contracts and laid foundations for future success.

In addition to his achievements in London, Andy brings valuable international experience, having previously been Managing Director of Go-Ahead Singapore and Go-Ahead Ireland. He will start his new role in January 2026.

Following Andy’s promotion, Andre Harlock has been appointed as Operations Director for Go-Ahead London. Andre will join from Govia Thameslink Railway where he is Director of Services for Southern and Gatwick Express. In that role he successfully drove performance improvements and earned a strong reputation as an exceptionally capable and trusted operational leader.

Nick Kinsey has joined Go-Ahead London as Finance Director. Nick brings a wealth of financial knowledge and experience from both listed and privately-owned companies, and his expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that Go-Ahead London is in a strong position to grow and succeed in the years ahead.

Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus said: “This is a thoroughly well-deserved promotion for Andy who has shown complete dedication to putting customers at the heart of everything we do. I’m also delighted that we’ll be joined by Andre and Nick, both highly experienced and talented individuals. I’m confident that Andy, Andre and Nick will further strengthen Go-Ahead London’s position as the city’s leading bus operator.”

Andy Edwards, Managing Director, Go-Ahead London said: “It’s a huge privilege to be appointed Managing Director to London’s largest bus operator. I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with Transport for London and my talented colleagues to deliver safe, reliable and punctual services for the millions of customers who travel with Go-Ahead London.”

Go-Ahead’s Victoria Garcia appointed as Government Disability and Access Ambassador

03 September 2025

Go-Ahead’s Victoria Garcia appointed as Government Disability and Access Ambassador

Victoria Garcia MBE, Accessibility and Communities Manager for Brighton & Hove Buses, part of Go-Ahead, has been appointed as one of the Government’s Disability and Access Ambassador, representing the bus industry.

Victoria will join other ambassadors to drive improvements in the accessibility and quality of services and facilities for disabled people, helping to ensure businesses are doing all they can to support disabled customers.

Victoria is recognised as the go-to professional for accessibility in the industry. Her work has truly been industry-leading and her dedication to improving bus services for disabled users saw her awarded an MBE in 2019, going on to then receive the UK Bus Awards ‘Impact on the Industry by an Individual’ award in 2021 and the Route One ‘Special Award’ in 2024.

Under Victoria’s guidance Brighton & Hove Buses works with organisations including the Alzheimer’s Society, Guide Dogs, Age UK, Speak Out, and many more to make bus services accessible to everyone. This work saw Go-Ahead achieve the highest status in the UK Department for Transport’s Inclusive Transport Leaders scheme for bus and rail operations.

Martin Dean, Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead, said: “We’re exceptionally proud of Victoria’s dedication to making bus services more accessible. Victoria works with organisations, communities and customers to understand how we empower thousands of people to travel independently and with dignity. I’m delighted that with this appointment; she will be able to help even more people and drive real change across our industry.”

Victoria Garcia, MBE, Accessibility and Communities Manager for Brighton & Hove Buses, commented: “I’m delighted to become the Disability and Access Ambassador for Bus and Coach. Bus services help connect us all to work, education, healthcare and provide vital social interactions that can help combat isolation and loneliness. By listening and learning and working in partnership we can all work to ensure a more accessible, inclusive service for all.”

The Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms, MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability said: “I am very pleased to be working with this impressive group of senior leaders, whose expertise and enthusiasm engenders positive changes in accessibility for disabled people. They are really supporting the government in this important work. They are generous with their time and support. The Disability and Access Ambassadors help us to improve all disabled people’s lives, by using their experience and insight throughout their sectors, and supporting the changes in accessibility we want to see across a wide range of private sector industries.”

Announcement regarding Group CEO departure

18 July 2025

Announcement regarding Group CEO departure

After 20 months as Group CEO of the company, Miguel Parras has taken the decision to step away from Go-Ahead to pursue other opportunities.

During this period, Miguel has worked with the executive team to deliver a business which expanded its services and earnings including more contracted services throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and Singapore. During his tenure, the company led the mobilisation of the prestigious Elizabeth Line in London, opened an office in Australia to grow the rail business in the country, launched the company’s Go Ahead Women program, and the business has won various awards – including the Recruitment and Retention category of the UK Bus Awards and recognition as an Industry Leader in DEI at the National Transport Awards.

Miguel has made a significant contribution, alongside the company’s CFO and Group Structured Finance Director, to securing the long-term financial sustainability of the company and to defining a clear strategy to achieve Go-Ahead’s ambitious decarbonisation goals, working hand-in-hand with many of our public transport authority partners such as TfL, TfGM, and others across the UK.

On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Miguel for not only his work and commitment whilst in the Group CEO role, but also for his important contribution to the investments made by Kinetic and Globalvia and his participation in steering the strategic direction of Go-Ahead.

We thank Miguel for his contribution to the company and wish him all the best for the future.

MS signature

Michael Sewards

Chair – Go-Ahead

“”
Leading Go-Ahead has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. It is a company with a strong purpose, deep values, and extraordinary people who work every day to deliver vital public transport services with passion and professionalism. I am proud of what we have achieved together — from growing our operations to laying the foundations for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Miguel Parras

Go-Ahead recognised as leading apprenticeship provider

14 July 2025

Go-Ahead recognised as leading apprenticeship provider

Go-Ahead’s investment in apprenticeships has been recognised by the Department for Education and by The Sunday Times in their Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list.

The recognition celebrates our on-going commitment to creating career opportunities for the next generation of transport professionals – and to build a workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve.

There are currently over 1,400 apprentices at Go-Ahead across rail and bus. The apprenticeship programmes cover customer services, engineering, management, and driving qualifications.

Go-Ahead recently announced a new bus engineering apprenticeship programme that focuses on attracting more people into the profession, including more women. The new programme will prepare apprentices for the future of sustainable, high-tech transport, and give them support from dedicated mentors every step of the way.

In rail, Govia Thameslink Railway offer 14 types of high-quality apprenticeships, including two new apprenticeship courses to support Women in leadership roles and a Career Returners programme.

Go-Ahead was ranked 12th in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship employers 2025 and 28 in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025

Sam Williams, Group People Director, Go-Ahead said: “We’re extremely proud of the high-quality apprenticeships we have on offer at Go-Ahead. These not only support people across our communities into the workforce but also set us up for future success.”

Go-Ahead makes multi-million-pound investment to excel in engineering

07 July 2025

Go-Ahead makes multi-million-pound investment to excel in engineering

Go-Ahead Group has made a multi-million-pound investment in engineering to create a clearer career pathway for emerging talent, increase the skills and knowledge of our engineering teams, and better prepare them for an accelerated rollout of zero-emission technology. The investment will create a new industry leading engineering apprenticeship programme and will develop the skills of Go-Ahead’s 900 engineers across the UK & Ireland.

Two new engineering academies in London and Greater Manchester will support the apprenticeship programme and host training for current engineers.

Go-Ahead’s engineers maintain over 6,000 buses and coaches for customers across the UK & Ireland, including the UK’s largest zero-emission fleet. The new training and apprenticeship programmes will set bold new standards in engineering by strengthening the skills of Go-Ahead’s talented engineers and by investing in future colleagues.

Go-Ahead’s existing engineers will receive training to enhance their skills and knowledge ready for the sustainable, high-tech future of public transport.

As an award-winning apprenticeship provider, Go-Ahead is committed to removing barriers to entry by funding driving lessons and exams for successful applicants, opening up engineering careers to people from all backgrounds.

Apprentices will initially learn about complex mechanical and electrical systems in classrooms and real-life settings before joining one of Go-Ahead’s operating companies to learn on the job, whilst gaining a qualification and earning a wage. The programme will be delivered in partnership with S&B Automotive Academy, one of the leading providers of apprenticeships to the automotive sector and will include placements with some of Go-Ahead’s other manufacturing partners. Dedicated mentors will help guide and support recruits throughout the programme.

With a rapidly growing zero-emission fleet, Go-Ahead is ensuring their existing and future engineers have the necessary skills to continue to operate and maintain these buses and ultimately play a vital role in the transition to zero-emission public transport.

Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus said: “Engineers are absolutely crucial to our industry. Our investment will help create a clear career pathway for anyone interested in becoming an engineer. This includes women who are underrepresented in engineering, and I am very pleased to see that 20% of our first apprentices are women. This is a great start towards gender diversity. Our engineering academies will also develop our existing team of engineers, upskilling them so that they’re set up for success and provide leadership training to our emerging leaders. This means that as we grow and evolve, we will continue to have the best engineers in the industry, which is great for our teams and for our customers.”

This investment forms part of Go-Ahead’s commitment to have a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.

 

Go-Ahead becomes founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance

18 June 2025

Go-Ahead becomes founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance

Go-Ahead is proud to become a founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA) to support people with low-level past convictions into meaningful employment. By equipping individuals with career opportunities, the partnership seeks to break the cycle of reoffending while contributing to economic growth.

RFA is a not-for-profit organisation that brings together charities that support former offenders join the rail, bus and other transport sectors, offering them a real second chance.

Go-Ahead provides a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities that help connect billions of customers and their communities through essential bus and rail services. By partnering with RFA, Go-Ahead will explore how to support people with low-level past convictions re-enter the workplace and build rewarding careers.

Go-Ahead’s involvement as a founding partner aligns with its commitment to creating social value and building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. This commitment drives its award-winning apprenticeship scheme, its Go-Ahead Women programme and its partnerships with organisations such as The King’s Trust.

Miguel Parras, Group Chief Executive, Go-Ahead Group said: “Everyone should have the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career. By partnering with RFA we hope we can offer people who deserve a second chance the sense of purpose and satisfaction that working at Go-Ahead provides.”

Chris Leech MBE, Business Development Director, RFA said: “We’re delighted that Go-Ahead has joined the RFA to support us break the cycle of reoffending. The RFA’s mission is not just to place people into jobs but to rebuild their futures. Employment is the single most powerful factor in reducing reoffending. With the right support and the right role, people can transform their lives and contribute positively to their communities. The transport industry offers fantastic careers that can help change lives and positively impacting far beyond those engaged.”

 

 

Go-Ahead Non-Executive Director awarded OBE

16 June 2025

Go-Ahead Non-Executive Director awarded OBE


Louise Cheeseman, Non-Executive Director has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list 2025 for her services to the transport industry and diversity.

Louise’s illustrious career in public transport has been marked by her pioneering initiatives, particularly those aimed at supporting and empowering women in the industry. In 2023, she founded Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC), a national network created to encourage, represent, support, and retain women in the bus and coach profession. Her passion for this cause has made a profound impact, fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment within public transport sector.

As well as Non-Executive Director at Go-Ahead, Louise serves also as Non-Executive Director at Transport for Wales, Chair of Trustees for Rebuilding Futures Alliance and Chair of WiBC.

Louise has held senior positions across both the public and private sectors, including as Managing Director for Hull Trains and Director of Bus at Transport for London, where she was responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the capital’s bus services including the delivery of the zero-carbon strategy.

Commenting on her award, Miguel Parras, Group CEO of Go-Ahead said: “We’re delighted that Louise has received this recognition for the incredible impact she has made on our industry. We’re very fortunate to have Louise on our Board and are very grateful for her contribution towards our growth strategy, achieving our ambitious decarbonisation goals and reaching our equality targets.”