First Bus has confirmed a number of changes to senior leadership structures across its UK business arms to follow an earlier restructure in 2025. The latest reorganisation will leverage a focus on three distinct spheres:
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- Regional Bus (non-franchised areas)
- First Bus Government (areas operating, or about to operate, on a franchised basis)
- Business and Coach (capturing corporate transport and the coach market).
The Regional Bus business is headed by Colin Brown as Managing Director. His remit also 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 takes that title 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.
Mr 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.
First Bus Government under Managing Director Gary Hitchmough has created new senior roles for Zoe Hands and Gavin Smith. Ms Hands becomes Managing Director Franchising with responsibility for Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire, while Mr 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. Mr Cursio will oversee the existing Somerset Passenger Solutions, Specialist Passenger Solutions and First Travel Solutions businesses.
Speaking about the changes, First Bus Managing Director Janette Bell says: “As the bus sector continues to evolve, we need to adapt the way we operate and ensure that 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 that we have the right leadership capacity and capability in place to support performance today and in the future.”
Separately, the group says that further changes are in hand to focus on dedicating more accountable local leadership at depot level.
