Ex-driver and former intern promoted to company director roles at Oxford Bus Group

Oxford Bus Group has promoted an ex-bus driver and former intern to company director positions, demonstrating the strong career progression opportunities within the business.

Former bus driver Shaun Ritchie has been promoted to Operations Director, while Glenn De Sousa, who initially joined as an intern, has become Commercial Director.

Oxford Bus Group consists of Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses, Pearces Coaches and Pulhams, all part of leading international public transport company Go-Ahead Group.

Mr Ritchie began his Go-Ahead career in 2006, as a driver at Go North East. He steadily took on increasing responsibility before joining the Oxford team in 2018, initially in the role of Express Services Manager.

He has since held the roles of Operations Manager for Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and Oxford Bus Company, before switching to Head of Operations in early 2023.

Mr Ritchie has played a key role in the expansion of Carousel Buses following its acquisition of Arriva’s Buckinghamshire network, integration of Pearces Coaches into the 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 finishing his Transport Management course at Aston University. After graduating, he held a succession of roles with increasing seniority in the commercial team at Oxford and has been Head of Commercial since the start of 2024.

He also played a key part in the successful electrification of the Oxford depot and the expansion of Carousel Buses, as well as realising a large number of improvements to the network 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.”