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News Category: People

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.”

Announcement on Andrew Wickham, MBE

25 May 2025

Announcement on Andrew Wickham, MBE

It is with great sadness that Go-Ahead confirms that Andrew Wickham MBE, Managing Director, Go South Coast has passed away.

Andrew was a much-loved colleague and valued member of Go-Ahead for over thirty years. He was an Operations Manager with London General before becoming Go-Ahead Group’s Development Manager under Chris Moyes. When Wilts & Dorset was acquired by Go-Ahead in 2003, he became Operations Director beginning a 20 year association with the area. He was Manging Director of Plymouth CityBus between 2009 and 2011 before returning to the south coast and remaining there as Managing Director ever since. Under Andrew’s leadership for the last 14 years, Go South Coast has gone from strength to strength, winning multiple awards including Route One and UK Bus Awards ‘Operator of the Year’ accolades on multiple occasions.

Andrew’s expertise and leadership skills were most evident in 2022 when Yellow Buses went into administration potentially leaving large areas of Bournemouth without a bus service. Andrew and his team took over 80 buses worth of work with only a gap of 24 hours – a feat which was applauded and recognised by the local community.

His contribution to the bus industry and the impact of his career was illustrated by his recognition in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours list, where he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

“”
On behalf of everyone at Go-Ahead and Go South Coast I want to pass on our deep condolences to Andrew’s family and loved ones. Andrew was a fantastic colleague, and he will be greatly missed. He made a big impression on our business and we will honour his legacy at the appropriate time.

Miguel Parras

Group Chief Executive

“”
I had the privilege of working with Andrew for 26 years. His enthusiasm and passion for serving his community was admirable and the loyalty of his team at Go South Coast is a testament to Andrew’s character. We will all miss him.

Martin Dean

Managing Director UK Regional Bus

Chris Fowler appointed as Managing Director for GTS

02 April 2025

Chris Fowler appointed as Managing Director for GTS

Chris Fowler will take on the role as Managing Director for GTS, the future operator of the Elizabeth line.

GTS is a joint venture between Go Ahead, Tokyo Metro and Sumitomo Corporation and will be responsible for operating the Elizabeth line from 25 May 2025.

Chris joins GTS from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) where he is Network Operations Director and is responsible for performance on one of the UK’s largest and most complex rail operations.

GTR manages four rail companies and is responsible for almost 20% of all UK rail journeys. It operates over 1 billion journeys every year and is a leader in adopting new technology, including leading the introduction of digital signalling on the UK mainline rail network.

Chris’ experience spans both private and public sectors with his current role split with Network Rail Sussex. He started his career with Transport for London where he held roles including Train Operations Manager and Chief of Staff to Managing Director. He has also served as Customer Services Director at GTR’s Southern Railway and as interim Managing Director for Southern Railway and Gatwick Express.

Patrick Verwer, CEO, Rail, Go-Ahead said: “Chris will make an excellent partner to Transport for London with his knowledge that strong partnership between private and public sector is vital in delivering the best service for customers. His expertise and leadership will help us build on the success of the Elizabeth line as GTS takes on the responsibility for operating the most popular railway in the country, on behalf of TfL.”

Chris Fowler added: “I’m delighted to be appointed as the Managing Director of GTS. The Elizabeth line has already transformed travel in London, becoming the UK’s busiest rail line. It’s a shining example of how investment in our capital’s transport network can drive economic growth and help enrich lives every day; as a proud Londoner, I’m excited for GTS to build on this success. By working with colleagues across the network, we will unlock the line’s full potential as a world-class railway, be a fantastic place to work, and represent London’s position as a global leader in transport.”

Chris Fowler

Go-Ahead trials new approach to accelerate the transition to greener buses

17 March 2025

Go-Ahead trials new approach to accelerate the transition to greener buses

Go-Ahead, a leading zero emission bus operator, has launched a new trial to convert diesel buses to electric vehicles.

In partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, Go North West has worked with WrightBus to retrofit a diesel bus, speeding up the decarbonisation process and extending the longevity of the bus.

The converted bus is part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, the UK’s first franchised bus operation outside London where Go-Ahead is already operating 69 zero emission buses from its Bolton depot.

This forms part of Go-Ahead’s commitment for a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. As well as almost 1,000 zero emission buses, Go-Ahead operates electric depots across the country, including the award-winning fully electric garage in Waterloo and the largest electric bus depot in the UK, in Northumberland Park. Go-Ahead also operates buses that use alternative fuel, such as hydrogen buses.

“”
Last year we made an investment of half-a-billion pounds to deliver more than 1,000 additional zero emission buses with WrightBus. Additionally, in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, we’re seeing how we can decarbonise our existing buses using NewPower. Our partners WrightBus and Transport for Greater Manchester have been excellent to work with and we’re excited about the potential this technology provides. We’re committed to working with Transport for Greater Manchester to achieve net zero across their Bee Network.

Martin Dean

Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead

Go-Ahead opens a new office to target rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand

17 February 2025

Go-Ahead opens a new office to target rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand

Go-Ahead has opened a new office in Melbourne to explore rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, where it can apply its knowledge of operating large and complex rail operations for millions of customers.

Go-Ahead operates billions of rail journeys each year for customers in the UK and the Nordics. It has established itself as a trusted partner, working on complex operations to deliver reliable, punctual and welcoming rail services.

In the UK, Go-Ahead is one of the largest rail operators. Through Govia Thameslink Railway, which manages four rail companies in the south of England, it is responsible for almost 20% of all UK rail journeys. It operates over 1 billion journeys every year and is a leader in adopting new technology, including leading the introduction of digital signalling on the UK mainline rail network. From May 2025, Go-Ahead will take over the operation of the iconic Elizabeth line in London, the new flagship railway network in London that has quickly become one of the most popular and fastest growing railways in the country, serving more than 700,000 customers a day.

Go-Ahead is also expanding its rail operations in the Nordics, where it already runs services in Norway. Later this year, Go-Ahead will start operating Stockholm’s Metro network, as part of the largest public transport contract in continental Europe, serving 350 million passengers annually.

Piero McCarthy has been appointed as Business Development Director for Go-Ahead Rail, Australia and New Zealand. Piero brings twenty years’ worth of industry experience and has held senior business development roles at Go-Ahead and led operations within the UK’s largest rail franchise, Govia Thameslink Railway.

Patrick Verwer, CEO, Rail, Go-Ahead said: “We have ambitious plans to build on our recent success and continue to grow our rail operations. We’re excited about exploring opportunities in Australia and New Zealand where we can apply our experience of operating busy, complex transport networks.”

From graduate to leading Go-Ahead’s Fastrack operations

19 December 2024

From Graduate to leading Go-Ahead’s Fastrack operations

Go-Ahead has appointed Isobel Hedley-Jones as its new Head of Fastrack Operations, effective from 1 January 2025.

Isobel first joined Go-Ahead London in 2021 as a graduate and has since worked in operations and business development working on Go-Ahead’s bid for Fastrack, before time in Australia as part of the bus mobilisation team for U-Go Mobility.

She has since managed the company partnership with Kent County Council for Fastrack before joining the mobilisation team in January 2024.

Commenting on her appointment to the role, Isobel Hedley-Jones said: “I’m proud to be taking on this role for Go-Ahead and to continue to build on our positive relationship with Kent County Council, our client for the Fastrack network. I’m looking forward to leading our brilliant team to ensure we deliver the highest standard of service possible for the communities we serve across Kent”.

Martin Dean, Managing Director of UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead Group said: “We’re extremely pleased to appoint Isobel to this role, her knowledge and experience has developed rapidly since she first joined Go-Ahead as a graduate in 2021 – this appointment is also a testament to her hard work”.
He added: “We are determined to build an inclusive working environment and Isobel’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to supporting and developing the growth of more women leaders in our business”.

Go-Ahead started operating the Fastrack contract in November, which will run for 15 years and is worth £110 million, and is part of the company’s UK regional bus portfolio.

Victoria Garcia MBE wins Route One Special Award

14 November 2024

Victoria Garcia MBE wins Route One Special Award

Victoria Garcia MBE from Brighton and Hove Buses and Metrobus, part of the Go-Ahead Group, was recognised with the Special Award at last night’s Route One awards ceremony in Birmingham.

The Special Award is a unique accolade determined solely by the judges and awarded to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the industry, deserving of special recognition.

Victoria has shown great determination to push boundaries to improve accessibility and inclusion for all bus users. She is recognised as the go-to professional for accessibility in the industry.

Her transformational work includes working in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society to deliver dementia friendly flooring and seating to enable those customers with dementia to have confidence to travel safely and more often.

Recently she partnered with the Thomas Pocklington Trust, the Sight Loss Council and the Driving Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) to develop the national and local bus and coach operators training materials to improve driver awareness of customers with visual impairments, building confidence in their use of buses, and drive equity and inclusion for all.

“”
I am delighted that Victoria’s achievements have been deservedly recognised at the Route One awards. Working with our customers and in our communities is so important for us as a business and her compassionate approach, along with her proactive engagement in community initiatives, and commitment to fostering an increasingly inclusive environment are an invaluable resource for the continued growth and success of all our bus companies and the customers we serve.

Matt Carney

CEO, Go-Ahead Bus

Go East Anglia appoint Rupert Cox as Managing Director

16 August 2024

Go East Anglia appoint Rupert Cox as Managing Director

  • New MD will head up leading bus operator in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk
  • Appointment made following interim period as MD
  • Experience of Rupert Cox will strengthen Go-Ahead’s leadership

The Go-Ahead Group today announces that Rupert Cox has been appointed as the Managing Director of Go East Anglia, effective from 1st September, following a successful period as interim MD, a position he started in June 2024.

Rupert first joined Go-Ahead in March 2024, working on business development projects and stepped into the interim role following Gavin Smith’s move to head up Go-Ahead’s Fastrack network operations in Kent.

Rupert’s industry experience spans two decades with all his career spent at Stagecoach where he began as graduate trainee manager before continuing to build his career through several commercial and operational roles. He then became Managing Director for the company covering the West of England and his last role was as Regional Director covering the South and Midlands in England.

Martin Dean, Managing Director of UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead Group said “We’re delighted to appoint Rupert permanently as the Managing Director of Go East Anglia. He is an experienced and knowledgeable industry leader, with a track-record of delivering for customers, and his extensive career in bus will undoubtedly benefit our business.”

Rupert Cox, Interim Managing Director of Go East Anglia said “I am excited to have been appointed as the Managing Director of Go East Anglia. I’m looking forward to working in partnership with our transport authorities to grow our network across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk and deliver services that benefit our customers and the communities that we serve”.

Go East Anglia is part of the Go-Ahead Group, and manages two operators, Konectbus and Hedingham and Chambers.

Go-Ahead named as leading Transport employer for Apprenticeships for third year running

26 July 2024

Go-Ahead named as leading Transport employer for Apprenticeships for third year running

  • Go-Ahead Group secures position as leading Apprenticeships employer in the Transport industry for the third year running
  • Public transport operator ranked 7th on the list of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, accredited by the Department for Education
  • Go-Ahead recruits’ apprentices across its regional bus companies and the largest UK rail company, Govia Thameslink Railway

The Go-Ahead Group is proud to be recognised as the top apprenticeships employer in the transport industry for a third year running in a ranking accredited by the Department for Education. Go-Ahead was named as the 7th top apprenticeships provider in England overall.

In the last 12 months the company has taken on nearly 1,000 apprentices through its award-winning apprenticeships programme, recruiting people into roles including bus drivers, train drivers and engineers in the bus and rail. The schemes act as a catalyst for the creation of permanent jobs at Go-Ahead and its subsidiaries across England, offering people a kick-start to their employment or an alternative path for those choosing to change careers.

Go-Ahead is committed to employing apprentices that represent the communities we serve and to grow diversity in teams across our bus and rail businesses. This year at Go-Ahead London, 65% of apprentices are BAME, nearly 20% are women, and 15% are neurodiverse.

More than 150 apprentices recently graduated at Go-Ahead London, the capital’s largest bus operator and at Govia Thameslink Railway, Go-Ahead’s UK rail operator, there was a 50% increase in women apprentices in 2023, with 60 of 176 apprentice new starters being women.

Miguel Parras, Group Chief Executive of Go-Ahead Group, said:

“At Go-Ahead, we understand the vital role apprenticeships play in our business and are committed to supporting the next generation of talent in our business and the industry as a whole.  Retaining our status as the leading transport employer for apprenticeships is a big achievement for everyone involved who has worked so hard and with such dedication, to ensure our apprenticeships programme continues to go from strength to strength”.

Go-Ahead’s Hannah Man wins customer excellence award at everywoman awards for Transport and Logistics

01 July 2024

Go-Ahead’s Hannah Man wins customer excellence award at everywoman awards for Transport and Logistics

Hannah Man, Communications Manager at Go-Ahead London, part of the Go-Ahead Group was announced as the winner of the Customer award at the annual everywoman awards in Transport and Logistics in London on Thursday 27th June. The award is presented to a woman in industry whose commitment to the highest standards of customer service led to outstanding business results.

The everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards shine a spotlight on the industry’s most exceptional talent, providing an opportunity for companies and individuals to put forward candidates for categories celebrating all stages of their career journey.

Hannah’s remarkable journey in the transport industry, spanning nearly two decades, reflects her resilience, versatility, and unwavering commitment to customer service. Commencing her career in 2003 as a graduate trainee in the industry, she immersed herself in various roles, gaining comprehensive insights into all aspects of the industry, from driving to management at Go-Ahead London, London’s largest bus operator. During the London 2012 Olympics, she showcased her exceptional networking and communication skills to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

Beyond her current role as Communications Manager overseeing internal communication output for colleagues across Go-Ahead London, Hannah champions the advancement of women’s careers as an ambassador for Go-Ahead Women. The initiative, launched by the company earlier this year will see 1,500 new women bus drivers hired by the end of 2025, gender equality in the business and £8m invested to create inclusive working environments across Go-Ahead’s bus businesses.

Nina Sjolund-Nesbeth, Head of People and Culture at the Go-Ahead Group said “Hannah’s dedication to customer service and to personal development throughout her career at Go-Ahead is a testament to her character. Her role in championing women in Go-Ahead’s workforce is outstanding and I am proud that she has been rightfully recognised with this award”.

Tom Joyner, Managing Director at Go-Ahead London said “Hannah’s knowledge and experience of the industry is exceptional. She has been a champion of customer service since joining the industry in 2003 and continues to excel in her current role as Communications Manager at London’s largest bus operator. I want to congratulate Hannah on this wonderful achievement”.

Hannah Man, Communications Manager at Go-Ahead London said “I’m excited and proud to have won the Customer award at the annual everywoman awards for Transport and Logistics. Customers are at the very heart of our business and in everything I do I want to improve their experience and help to achieve better results for our business. I’d like to thank my colleagues for this nomination and their support”.