First Bus has selected Zoe Hands to captain its operations as the Managing Director of its Manchester, Midlands, and South Yorkshire division.
Zoe, with a 10-year tenure in the rail sector, had previous stewardship as the Chief Operating Officer for Merseyrail, where she oversaw train service delivery, achieving impressive industry punctuality records. Her recent hallmark achievement was leading a transformative fleet project, ushering in state-of-the-art trains equipped with modern battery technology.
Her arrival coincides with a pivotal growth phase for the operator. First Bus is amid bidding for the final Tranche 3 franchise contracts from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), due to complete in November. Simultaneously, First is gearing up in Rochdale to oversee bus services by March 2024, having previously clinched the franchise from TfGM in June. Additionally, the Leicester depot is poised to be one of the pioneering electric hubs outside London, with its infrastructure ready and the maiden fleet of zero-emission buses rolling out.
In Greater Manchester, Zoe will be ably backed by Mike Watson and Ian Humphreys, two seasoned Directors. Mike transitions from his interim role as Managing Director of Midlands and South Yorkshire, taking the helm of the Rochdale operations and potential new contract pursuits. Ian, on the other hand, will step back from the Manchester operations’ daily grind, focusing on the Tranche 3 bid and liaising with TfGM.
Speaking about her transition, Zoe says: “I’m joining First Bus as we propel the business forward in Manchester, the Midlands, and South Yorkshire. With developments afoot in Greater Manchester’s bus market, ongoing electrification in Leicester, and robust commercial progress in South Yorkshire, there’s a significant momentum.
“Both Mike and Ian bring to the table their invaluable bus sector insights and expertise. I envision a close collaboration as we further our agenda.”
Zoe now helms a business with around 1,800 employees, operating from five depots and boasting a fleet exceeding 850 buses. Her vision extends beyond exceptional service. “My primary objective is to cultivate an environment where our team feels cherished, empowered, and secure,” she says. “A space where they can manifest their best selves, and grow in parallel with the company and the communities we cater to.
“Our mission to knit communities, contribute socio-economically, and address the climate crisis is something I profoundly resonate with.”
Before venturing into the rail sector, Zoe had a substantial stint in the aviation realm, predominantly at Heathrow Airport.
