Major shake-up of senior leadership roles at First Bus

First Bus has made a number of changes to senior leadership structures across its UK business arms as a follow-up to a restructure in 2025. The company said the reorganisation will leverage a focus on three distinct spheres: Regional Bus (non-franchised areas); First Bus Government (areas operating, or about to operate, on a franchised basis); and Business and Coach (capturing corporate transport and the coach market).

The Regional Bus business is headed by Colin Brown as Managing Director. His remit extends to First Bus London, the former RATP Dev Transit operation in the capital that was purchased in early 2025.

Regional Bus is split into three areas led by new Regional Directors. Andy Cullen assumes the role for Scotland and York; Doug Claringbold for South and West; and Simon Mathieson for East and Midlands. Bill Cahill remains local Managing Director for First Bus London.

Cullen was formerly Managing Director of First Bus North and West Yorkshire. He takes on responsibility for operations in Scotland from Duncan Cameron, who has left the business.

Meanwhile, First Bus Government under Managing Director Gary Hitchmough has created new senior roles for Zoe Hands and Gavin Smith. Hands becomes Managing Director Franchising with responsibility for Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire, while Smith is Bid Solution and Mobilisation Director.

Andrew Jarvis is Managing Director of Business and Coach. He is supported by Simon Cursio in a new role as Managing Director of Specialist Transport Solutions. Cursio will oversee the existing Somerset Passenger Solutions, Specialist Passenger Solutions and First Travel Solutions businesses.