New Managing Director announced for Stagecoach services in west of England and Oxfordshire

Stagecoach, the UK’s biggest bus, coach and tram operator, has announced the appointment of Rachel Geliamassi as new Managing Director of its businesses in the west of England and throughout Oxfordshire.

Following the announcement of a new structure providing a management team responsible for all bus and coach services across the west of England and Oxfordshire, Stagecoach has carried out an extensive recruitment process for the new Managing Director position.

Rachel Geliamassi, 39, will take up the role with immediate effect. Rachel joined Stagecoach as part of its graduate training scheme in 2007 and has been Operations Manager at a number of locations around the country before becoming Operations Director of Stagecoach West in 2014. Rachel is mum to a little boy and lives in Gloucester.

Rachel will be responsible for 1,500 employees and more than 500 buses enabling around 44 million journeys a year. Rachel will also be responsible for Oxford Tube coach services.

Carla Stockton-Jones, UK Managing Director for Stagecoach, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Rachel Geliamassi as new Managing Director responsible for all our services across the west of England covering key towns and cities such as Cheltenham, Gloucester, Ross, Swindon, Stroud and Bristol as well as Oxford and Oxfordshire.

“Our people are at the heart of what we do, and as a former graduate of the Stagecoach training scheme, it’s great to see people like Rachel getting the opportunity to develop even further in such a crucial role for our business.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and with the recent publication of the National Bus Strategy, there are great opportunities ahead to work closely with our partners across the region to harness the huge potential of the bus in tackling climate change, delivering better air quality and providing improved mobility for our communities. Rachel’s vast experience in the bus industry will ensure we are in the best position to maximise these significant opportunities ahead.”

Chris Coleman, who held the previous position of Managing Director of Stagecoach Oxford has now left Stagecoach to pursue new opportunities. Rupert Cox, previously Managing Director of Stagecoach West, continues in the role as Interim Regional Director South.

Carla continues: “Chris has made a huge contribution to services in Oxfordshire, with the introduction of new timetables and a new Oxford Tube fleet, and we would like to thank him for his service and wish him all the very best for the future.”

ENDS