Tom Ranson has been promoted to Engineering Director by Reading Buses, gaining him a place on the operator’s board as one of four executive directors alongside Chief Executive Robert Williams, Finance Director Laurence Jenkins, and Operations Director Godfrey Mawoyo.
The municipal operator says that Mr Ranson’s elevation comes after an impressive period of leading its engineering functions as Head of Engineering for almost five years. That saw the business deliver improved results across that department, it adds.
In his new role, Mr Ranson will be tasked with maintaining Reading Buses at the forefront of technological advancement. Promotion comes as the operator prepares to put its first battery-electric buses into service in the form of 32 Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV double-decks.
It says that Mr Ranson’s expanded responsibilities represent a further fruit of an approach that facilitates employees’ success under a proud mechanism of developing internal candidates who rank “among the best in the industry.”
Mr Williams has congratulated Mr Ranson on his elevation. “We are delighted to announce Tom’s promotion and his place on our board of directors following the recent retirement of our HR Director Caroline Anscombe,” he says.
“Tom’s primary role in leading the engineering function across our three companies will continue as before, while also now helping to lead the future strategy of the company at a time of great technological change.”
Accompanying Ms Anscombe’s retirement is the creation of a retitled Head of People and Culture position. It is filled by Sharon Klue. She is part of the operator’s senior leadership team and will help to maintain what it says is “the positive, engaging and productive work environment that Reading Buses is known for.”
Ms Klue will also look for opportunities for training and development across Reading Buses and its two sister companies, Newbury and District and Thames Valley Buses.
Seven non-executive directors from a variety of industry backgrounds sit alongside the four executive directors on the Reading Buses board.
