The Judges
Aaron Hill
Director of CPT Cymru
Aaron Hill is the Director of CPT Cymru. Aaron brings a wealth of experience from membership organisations and the third sector to CPT, having an extensive background in policy, influencing and external affairs. His previous roles have covered a wide variety of public services, including housing, regeneration, health and education.
In previous roles, Aaron has been Director of Policy with the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Head of Policy with Wales-based organisations including Community Housing Cymru and the National Deaf Children’s Society. He is also a board member with a local housing association – RHA Wales – and was previously Chair of Public Affairs Cymru.
Chloe Leach O'Connell
Engagement professional
Chloe Leach-O’Connell is an engagement professional specialising in internal and external communication programmes, working with the passenger transport industry across the UK. She has worked in the industry for over 15 years and led and delivered award-winning employee engagement initiatives, PR and marketing strategies, and transformational programmes. Chloe is passionate about accelerating inclusion and diversity in the bus industry, she is a founder member, and Co-Chair of the D&I Bus Group, part of Women in Transport.
Jon Eardley
Managing Director, Abellio London Bus
Managing Director for Abellio London Bus, Jon Eardley has over 26 years’ experience in the bus and coach industry. Jon has held numerous shop-floor, technical, managerial and board positions across FirstBus before moving to Arriva and then Abellio UK Bus.
Working in collaboration with TfL and supply partners, Jon has introduced numerous industry leading technologies to the London bus network, including new, customer focused EV vehicles and innovative charger solutions to decarbonise the network. He has been heavily involved in apprentice and graduate schemes across the bus, coach and rail industries for almost 20 years and is currently mentoring a number of future engineering leaders.
Phil Hitchen
Managing Director, Belle Vue Bus & Coach Hire
Phil Hitchen, Managing Director at Belle Vue Bus & Coach Hire, is a High Yellow Inspirer who is passionate about people and business. Phil believes innovation starts with the passenger and works backwards. Innovative ideas are essential to progress as a hub to a wheel, as they form the centre around which all things revolve.
Tom Morgan
Managing Director, trentbarton
Tom joined the industry in 2009 with Norfolk Green, before joining trentbarton on a management training programme. After spending time in all areas of the business he landed his first management role, and has progressed through the ranks to become Managing Director in March 2023.
Tom has a passion for understanding customer priorities, consistently delivering exceptional customer service, and using innovation and technology to make using the bus a viable, attractive and preferential alternative to the private car.
