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.

Witney-based digital agency Olamalu, founded in 2010 by husband-and-wife team Kate Berman and Christoph Corvin. , has grown into an award-winning company supporting organisations across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Reflecting on the milestone, co-founder Kate Berman said: “Reaching 16 years in business is a huge moment for us and one we’re incredibly proud of.

“When we started Olamalu, we wanted to create a business that delivered brilliant technical solutions but also genuinely cared about people – from our clients and team to the wider community around us.”

Built on values of creativity and community, the company has expanded its reach while remaining committed to its original mission.

Olamalu has gained particular recognition for its support of the Oxfordshire community and its investment in youth.

It runs an apprenticeship scheme aimed at helping young people build careers in technology without needing to relocate to bigger cities.

In 2024, the company was named SME Apprentice Employer of the Year in the South East regional finals and was highly commended nationally.

Niall Middleton, software developer team leader and former apprentice, said: “My skills grew and grew as I went through my apprenticeship and now I’m at a place where I’m proud to say that I can tackle complex software development projects and develop the skills of our newer apprentices.

“I want to give back to this company after what they’ve given me: a chance to stretch myself, grow and learn these new skills.

“I want to feed that back into the business and be one of the driving forces of Olamalu’s growth.”

The business also supports charities including Homeless Oxfordshire, MyVision Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Community Foundation, Cogges Heritage Trust, and Wychwood Forest Trust.

Its team runs school coding clubs, attends careers events, and offers work experience to students interested in tech.

Ms Berman said: “Helping young people into careers in tech and building long-lasting relationships has always been just as important to us as the work itself.

“Looking back over the last 16 years, we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received and excited about what comes next.”

Olamalu’s commitment to the community has been recognised by clients such as Cogges Manor Farm.

Guy Reed, general manager at Cogges, said: “Cogges Manor Farm were one of Olamalu’s first customers.

“As a small, independent heritage charity, our website is the heartbeat of our business.

“We’ve just launched a brand-new site which Olamalu developed, and it’s made a difference to us already.

“We’re grateful for the 16 years of support and wish Olamalu a very happy birthday.”

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/