The Coach Travel Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Elaine Williams as Group Head of Operational Performance.
The move is part of The Coach Travel Group’s continued investment in ensuring its operation meets optimal levels of efficiency and safety while planning for the future growth of the business across the UK.
“It’s so exciting to be part of a new group where there will be plenty of opportunity to learn best practice and harness the operational knowledge from our local operators,”said Elaine, who will be based at Johnsons Coaches in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire.
“Ultimately, I will be responsible for overseeing and enhancing the operational performance across the group, as well as collaborating on projects to drive future growth. I intend to bring the best bits of everything I have learned in my career to help drive us forward in the months and years ahead.
“As Group Head of Operational Performance, I will be responsible for overseeing and enhancing the operational performance of the Group as well as collaborating on projects to drive the business forward. I’ll also be supporting my local depot, Johnsons Coaches, as Head of Operations.”
Established in June 2024, The Coach Travel Group was formed by the strategic merger of Alpine Travel, Barnes Coaches, Coatham Coaches, JH Coaches, Johnsons Coaches, The Ready Group, Swans Travel and Whittles.
Since then, Stewarts Coaches and Horseman Coaches have also joined the group that now employs approximately 700 people with more than 450 vehicles in its fleet. Its focus is on leveraging the extensive experience and investment across the operators to provide a best-in-class service offering to its customers.
Elaine’s long association with the coach travel industry began while she was studying Transport Management at Northumbria University, which she combined with working in the booking office at Voyager Coaches in nearby Chester-le-Street. A one-year sandwich placement at Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach company followed, where Elaine gained experience in both the bus and coach departments. Elaine achieved a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in both road passenger and road haulage, which she retains and uses today.
After graduating, Elaine joined the management training programme at Southern Vectis and gained valuable insights into the workings of every department of the business. Eventually Elaine became Operations Manager of the Leisure and Retail division, which included the Vicki Osborne Holiday brand.
Elaine moved to National Express, starting at Victoria Coach Station, and spent many years in operational leadership roles on scheduled coach services before switching to the bus division. Finally, Elaine spent a hugely enjoyable 18 months as Head of Operations South with ArrowXL, a two-man delivery specialist that allowed Elaine to finally put her road haulage CPC to use.
Elaine added: “Recently, I have particularly enjoyed learning about the warehousing side of the transport sector, but the lure of coach travel was too strong. More than 30 years later, I have returned to my roots with The Coach Travel Group and Johnsons Coaches.”
Tom Stables, The Coach Travel Group’s CEO, said: “Elaine is a great addition to our team, and I know everyone is delighted to have her on board. She possesses a rare blend of experience and enthusiasm that will give us a different dimension as we move forward as a business.”
