Oxford Bus Company has promoted Paul Hennigan to Operations Director.
Paul, 39, was previously Head of Operations, a post he has held since 2014. He started his career at Oxford Bus Company 21 years ago as a trainee mechanical engineer.
In his new role he oversees operations at Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Oxford City Sightseeing and Carousel Buses.
Paul says: “I’m relishing the new challenge and looking forward to continuing our constant drive to deliver the best possible customer experience we can provide and achieve excellence in all areas of the business.”
Phil Southall, MD, says: “Paul brings a great deal of experience to the role which will help develop our colleagues and enable us to keep providing an excellent service to our customers daily.
“Transport is an ever-changing industry and it is important we stay ahead of advancements and best practice and Paul’s experience will play a continued key role in our progression.
“Paul’s promotion is richly deserved and demonstrates what can be achieved via hard work combined with the excellent personal development schemes in place at the Go-Ahead Group.”
Paul qualified from his four-year apprenticeship in 2002. He was promoted to Nightshift Leading Hand in 2007 and began a postgraduate management studies qualification, visiting many other bus companies as part of the course.
In 2009 Paul moved into engineering management and joined the senior management team.
He joined the ‘Go Ahead Talent Pool’ in 2010 and took part in an executive development programme.
He succeeded Phil Southall as Head of Operations in 2014.
Paul says: “The transition from being on the tools to a supervisory role, and then management, was a challenge, but I treat everyone with respect and there is a real team spirit across the company.
“The biggest change in my career has been in technology; the development of vehicles has been incredible. We now have some of the cleanest vehicles on the road, and we are retrofitting our CitySightseeing buses to electric. We are committed to driving the emissions agenda and remaining at the forefront of technological advancements.
“I would recommend the bus industry as a career; Oxford Bus Company really invests in people and provides a platform for personal growth.”
