New Managing Director for Brighton & Hove

Go North East Commercial Director Martin Harris has been appointed Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Bus Company.

Martin will take up the role on 1 April 2013 when current Managing Director Roger French retires.

Martin has 32 years’ experience in the bus industry, having begun his career in Brighton as a senior management trainee for Southdown in 1980. He returned to the Sussex coast after two years with West Riding and was later part of the management team which formed Brighton & Hove Bus Company. Martin spent 11 years as Business Manager for the company before taking up the role as Director/General Manager at Go North East in 1996. Since then Martin has excelled in his role as Commercial Director and has been pivotal to Go North East’s success as a leading operator in the region.

Martin has led the delivery of Go North East’s innovative approach to marketing; introducing mobile-ticketing, “the key” smartcard and the development of 50 branded routes, all of which have helped boost patronage over recent years. He has also introduced benchmark standards for accessibility and has driven successful public and private sector partnerships.

David Brown, Go-Ahead Group Chief Executive said: “I am delighted that Martin will be heading up our bus operations in Brighton. He has played a key role in the success of Go North East and will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new position as Managing Director at Brighton & Hove. “

Martin Harris said: “I’m thrilled to be taking up this appointment and returning once more to Brighton & Hove. It’s a company with a well-deserved reputation for excellence with an outstanding leader. This is the one job in the industry that could tempt me away from Go North East and I am looking forward to working with the Brighton & Hove team to continue to build upon their successes for the future.”