Industry legal figure Laura Hadzik (pictured, above) will become Chair of Women in Bus and Coach on 1 June, succeeding outgoing postholder and founder of the organisation Louise Cheeseman OBE.
Ms Hadzik is currently a director of the advocacy group and has advised coach, bus and freight operators of all sizes for almost 20 years. She is Partner and Head of Commercial Road Transport at JMW Solicitors, having joined that business in 2023.
A six-month handover period will ensure a smooth transition, Women in Bus and Coach says. Ms Hadzik is described by the group as being a longstanding champion of diversity and inclusion across the transport sector.
Ms Cheeseman has overseen a rapid growth of the organisation since its formation, and it now has significant visibility and influence across the industry and further afield.
Under her leadership, Women in Bus and Coach has delivered numerous groundbreaking initiatives including a Blue Plaque scheme, a Period Positive Workplace campaign, and creation of a Mentee Director position among others.
Ms Cheeseman adds that the group started as an idea but “has grown into a national movement making a real difference across our industry.” On a change of Chair, she believes that Ms Hadzik will take the organisation forward to its next stage.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in Women in Bus and Coach, the volunteers across all our regions and working groups, our corporate members, and the board, whose commitment, passion and support have made our success possible. I look forward to continuing to support the organisation and Laura during the handover period.”
Adds Ms Hadzik: “It is an honour to be appointed Chair of Women in Bus and Coach and to follow in Louise’s footsteps.
“Louise has built an organisation with a strong purpose, credibility and impact, and I am grateful for her support during this transition. I am excited to continue to work with the board, volunteers, members and partners to build on these strong foundations and help to take Women in Bus and Coach into its next chapter.”
