Pulhams Coaches’ focus on growth under Go-Ahead Group ownership has seen the appointment of Stuart Exler (pictured, above) to head a newly established training academy at the Bourton-on-the-Water business.
Mr Exler joins from Oxford Bus Company (OBC), which is part of Pulhams’ immediate parent Oxford Bus Group. He began his career with OBC as a driver eight years ago before becoming a recruitment coordinator and driving instructor, a position he has held for five years.
Oxford Bus Group says that Pulhams is looking to expand both its coach and local bus services. Mr Exler’s arrival follows soon after the appointment of Alex Chutter, who moved from Go-Ahead subsidiaries Brighton and Hove and Metrobus to become Area Director of Pulhams.
Oxford Bus Group Managing Director Luke Marion has described Mr Exler’s move as “a significant appointment.” He adds that Mr Exler “brings valuable first-hand experience as a driver and an instructor and will be indispensable as we plan to continue our expansion of the Pulhams fleet and network of services.”
Mr Marion notes that the appointment represents Pulhams Coaches’ first full-time training resource, and that tuition of both experienced and newly recruited drivers at the former family-owned operator will benefit.
“We passionately believe in training drivers in-house, which maintains the intimate, family-run company culture and strong, well-established brand heritage that Pulhams is known for.”
Mr Exler says that experience at OBC will influence his work at Pulhams, such as the deployment of a mentor role to accompany new drivers through the recruitment process. “This is something I want to replicate at Pulhams,” he adds.
“I look forward to using my experience as an instructor to ensure that new and existing drivers are confident, capable, and equipped with local knowledge to provide an excellent service to our customers.”
The Bourton operator recently launched a new bus service between Bishop’s Cleeve and Cheltenham, which is under contract to Gloucestershire County Council.
