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.”