First Bus has appointed Gary Hitchmough as its new Chief Growth Officer to lead on bus franchising bidding, securing major commercial contracts, and furthering development businesses.
Mr Hitchmough, who is one of seven managers on the operator’s executive team, has a wealth of experience in delivering public services. He started his career in transport with National Express Group as General Manager for Customer Experience and Service Delivery in 2001. He has most recently been Business Development Director at Sodexo Health and Care UK and Ireland and was Interim Managing Director of Commercial Waste Management for Recycling Lives.
Among his forthcoming work with First Bus will be securing a successful bid in tranche three of the Transport for Greater Manchester franchise bid. He will also grow commercial services connected with First Travel Solutions, Specialist Passenger Solutions and Aircoach.
“I’m really excited to have joined First Bus to accelerate our next stage of growth and build on the transformation that has successfully been delivered in recent years,” says Mr Hitchmough.
“First Bus is a very different business now and I’ve been hugely impressed by how capable our people are, and how focused they are on delivering for our teams, communities, and stakeholders.
“We have a great foundation to build on, as we seek to strengthen the relationships and acquire the new customers and clients we need to fulfil our growth ambitions.”
Janette Bell, Managing Director for First Bus, adds: “In the last year alone, we’ve seen momentum in our growth across the UK and Ireland, with new B2B customers including East Midlands Airport, Two Sisters Food Group and acquisitions like Airporter and Ensignbus.
“Gary has a very capable team of experienced leaders to help him deliver our goals in this area. I look forward to them steering us to further success, as we continue to grow the business in the right areas for our communities, stakeholders, and shareholders.”
