Oxford Bus Group has promoted a former bus driver and a one-time intern to company director positions, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to developing talent and providing clear pathways for career progression.
Shaun Ritchie has been appointed Operations Director, while Glenn De Sousa has been promoted to Commercial Director. Both appointments reflect the significant contributions each has made to the business and underline the opportunities available within the wider Go-Ahead Group.
Oxford Bus Group comprises Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses, Pearces Coaches and Pulhams, all of which are part of international public transport operator Go-Ahead Group.
Mr Ritchie began his career with Go-Ahead in 2006 as a driver at Go North East. Over the years, he steadily took on greater responsibility before joining the Oxford team in 2018 as Express Services Manager. He later held the roles of Operations Manager for Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and Oxford Bus Company, before becoming Head of Operations in early 2023.
During his time in Oxfordshire, Mr Ritchie has played a key role in the expansion of Carousel Buses following the acquisition of Arriva’s Buckinghamshire network, the integration of Pearces Coaches into Oxford Bus Group, and the successful electrification of the Oxford depot.
He said: “In the 20 years I’ve worked at Go-Ahead, I’ve seen how the business operates from various perspectives. As a driver, I understood the fundamentals of excellent customer service, and from there, coming to Oxford has allowed me to take on a more overarching role.
“There are strong opportunities for career progression at Go-Ahead, and it’s been a brilliant journey so far and I’m looking forward to continuing to deliver operational excellence across our network.”
Mr De Sousa joined Go-Ahead in 2019 as an intern while completing a Transport Management course at Aston University. After graduating, he progressed through a series of increasingly senior roles within the commercial team at Oxford and has served as Head of Commercial since the start of 2024.
He has also played a key part in the electrification of the Oxford depot, the expansion of Carousel Buses and the delivery of numerous network improvements through additional Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding and tender wins.
Mr De Sousa said: “I’m delighted to take the next step in my career and thank my colleagues for their support and guidance throughout. It’s an exciting time at Oxford Bus Group and I’m looking forward to helping continue to improve our network and service for our customers.”
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Group, said: “I’d like to congratulate Shaun and Glenn on these thoroughly deserved promotions, having both played instrumental roles in the growth of the company in recent years.
“As a business, we are committed to developing talent, investing in colleagues and providing clear pathways for career development and progression. Shaun and Glenn are excellent examples of what can be achieved when support is aligned with hard work and dedication which Shaun and Glenn have in abundance.”
