Southern Vectis’ general manager Matt Kitchin is to leave the south coast and take up a new posting in Greater Manchester, the Go Ahead-owned bus operator has today (Monday) confirmed.
Matt joined the Isle of Wight firm in November 2012 and is highly-regarded by among local businesses, local authorities and passengers alike. Matt is also the general manager for Hampshire-based Bluestar.
Southern Vectis and Bluestar managing director, Andrew Wickham has said:
“We’d like to congratulate Matt on his promotion to operations director with Stagecoach Manchester – the operator’s largest UK bus subsidiary outside of London.
“Matt has worked hard to build an excellent reputation, both for himself and for the operators he has managed whilst with us here on the south coast. It is testament to this – and the excellent development and support he received from his colleagues here that he has secured this new position.
“He will have the opportunity to direct operations at one of the UK’s largest and most demanding bus companies. I feel sure he will make a success of it and be well-received by those using services in that region.
“We look forward to following his progress over the coming months. Matt leaves us in October and we have already begun the process of appointing a high quality replacement to ensure the future success of our popular bus operations here. I wish Matt every success for the future.”
Reflecting on his near 4-year stint on the Island, Matt has said:
“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to lead two very highly regarded bus companies through some challenging times over the past few years. I am particularly proud of our partnership working with local stakeholders to retain, and in some cases expand our networks, in the face of cut backs.
“I leave behind two fantastic teams who I have no doubt will continue the good work long after I have left”.
Featured photo: Matt Kitchen (left) with colleagues at the launch of new the Island’s new double decker buses
