Martin Gibbon takes on the role covering operations across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Herefordshire, Swindon, and Wiltshire.

He returns to the region after previously serving as operations director from 2019 to 2023.

Most recently, Mr Gibbon was managing director of Stagecoach South Wales and also served as chair of CPT (The Confederation of Public Transport) Wales.

Mr Gibbon said: “My focus will be on continuing to grow bus use by delivering reliable, high-quality services that people want to choose.

“I’ve seen first-hand how good public transport can transform opportunities for people, and that’s what motivates me to keep improving it.

“I’ve always been motivated by roles that make a real difference to people’s daily lives.

“Public transport is one of the few industries where you can see that impact immediately — connecting communities, supporting local economies and helping people access work, education and essential services.

“It also plays a vital role in improving social inclusion and delivering meaningful environmental benefits.

“You can expect openness, partnership and a genuine commitment to making your local bus services the best they can be.”

Mr Gibbon began his career with Stagecoach in 2011 and has since held a variety of operational and leadership roles across the South of England, including the West, Oxfordshire, and Wales.

Sam Greer, chief operating officer at Stagecoach Group Limited, said: “Martin brings real passion for our industry, strong leadership, and deep operational expertise.

“Importantly, he brings a transparency and genuine care for our local communities that really reflects what we mean when we say ‘We’ve got you’.

“I’m proud of this appointment and confident he will continue to strengthen the trust our customers place in us and deliver for the communities we serve across the region.”

Stagecoach, founded in 1980, is the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, with a fleet of 8,300 vehicles connecting over 100 major towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales.

The company employs 25,000 people and is deeply rooted in the communities it serves, aiming to make everyday journeys simpler, greener, and more reliable.

Stagecoach works with partners to promote greener, smarter, and more inclusive transport.

This helps reduce congestion, lower emissions, and support local economies.

The company continues to invest in sustainability, with more than 15 per cent of its fleet now electric.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Stagecoach has committed to donating up to 0.5 per cent of its annual profit before tax to charitable causes across the UK.

Taking place at Bicester Motion, the exhibition attracted around 80 visitors on June 12.

It also highlighted plans for new jobs, workspace, apartments, a hotel, and improved biodiversity.

Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive officer at Bicester Motion, said: “Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend our public exhibition and share their thoughts on the proposals.

“We were pleased to welcome so many people and have constructive conversations about the future of Bicester Motion.

“As custodians of this unique estate, we are committed to listening to our neighbours, local businesses and wider stakeholders.

“Their feedback is an important part of helping us shape plans that support long-term investment, jobs and opportunities, while respecting the estate’s heritage and its role within the local community.”

Visitors had the chance to meet the project team and ask questions.

The consultation remains open until 11pm on June 25, and the team is encouraging anyone who has not yet reviewed the proposals to do so online.

Following the close of the consultation, all comments will be reviewed and considered, and a consultation feedback report will be published outlining key themes and how feedback has influenced the plans.

Bicester Motion was supported by Ridge, Edgars, Nicholsons, Stantec, Motion, Aurochs Ecology, Worlledge Associates, and LDA Design.

More information and the feedback form can be found at https://consultation.bicestermotion.com/

Teams across Oxfordshire will take part in a 13-mile sponsored walk to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, building on the success of last year’s event.

Store teams from across Central England and South Wales will walk 10 designated routes as part of a wider company-backed campaign.

Nicola McGuinness, Tesco South Wales store director, said: “The scale of support for this year’s walk has been fantastic.

“Our Community Champions and store teams have put a huge amount of work into organising fundraising activity, bringing colleagues together and helping create real momentum across the region.

“It is a strong reflection of the dedication our teams show to supporting good causes in the communities they serve.”

Store teams and community champions will also run in-store and local fundraising activities leading up to the walk to raise awareness and boost donations.

A total of 800 Tesco colleagues across 21 regions are expected to take part in the walk, which will take place on July 1.

The goal is to raise more than £300,000 for Cancer Research UK, helping it continue to advance research that is improving the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Supporters can donate and learn more by visiting their nearest Tesco store.