First Bus has appointed former Arriva man Simon Mathieson (pictured) into the newly created role of Head of Operational Excellence. He will work with the group’s six local business units on all operational matters.
Mr Mathieson was formerly Area Operations Director – Midlands and South with Arriva UK Bus, having previously worked across a variety of operators in multiple operational roles from Operations Manager to Operations Director and then Managing Director. National Express and Stagecoach also feature on his CV.
Working alongside Head of Engineering Excellence Tony Cockcroft – who joined First Bus from Stagecoach in 2022 – Mr Mathieson will report to Chief Operating Officer Andrew Jarvis, as does Mr Cockcroft.
Speaking about his appointment, Mr Mathieson says: “I am really excited to be joining the First Bus team. I am keen to get started by working with the business to further develop our operational excellence capability and deliver high levels of customer satisfaction together.”
Adds Mr Jarvis: “I am delighted to appoint Simon into this new pivotal role that will see him supporting our six local business units on all operational matters.
“Simon will collaborate with senior leadership teams and depot management teams in each of our regions to ensure that they are best positioned to deliver exceptional customer service.”
