Neil Butler has joined Oxford Bus Group as Finance Director, moving from previous managerial roles at Vodafone UK and KPMG and luxury furniture brand OKA.
The role had been filled on an interim basis by a contractor since Luke Marion, who was Finance and Commercial Director, was promoted to Managing Director in May 2022.
Mr Butler joins a business which is looking to expand following its recent acquisition of Pulhams Coaches as part of a continuing move into the coach market and the development of transport-on-demand PickMeUp service.
He will have overall responsibility for the finances at not only Pulhams but also Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and City Sightseeing Oxford, which are the other operations of the Go-Ahead-owned group in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire.
Mr Butler says: “I am proud to be joining at a time where the business is expanding and making a number of significant strategic investments in services across the group.
“I was born and brought up in Abingdon and still live locally with my family and, as such, I know the area well feel a strong connection to the group, having frequently used the services growing up.
“I am glad to be pursuing the next stage of my career in the public transport industry, which plays a vital role in keeping the communities we serve connected, as well tackling congestion, improving air quality and helping to reduce carbon emissions.”
Mr Marion adds: “This is a significant appointment for the group and we are very happy to have Neil on board.
“He brings extensive experience in corporate finance and is well-placed to ensure the success of the business at a time of expansion and considerable strategic spending to deliver a continued first-class service to passengers.
“This includes major investments into acquiring electric vehicles and installing charging infrastructure at the Cowley depot to deliver on our ambition of creating an all-electric bus fleet in Oxford.”
