FIRST Bus has appointed a University of York graduate as the new service delivery director in Yorkshire.

Ben Gilligan, 31, has taken over the role, which includes day-to-day running of more than 1,500 buses from ten depots across the region, from Bob Hamilton, who has retired from the bus industry.

Mr Gilligan joined First as a graduate trainee in 2002, after completing a history degree at the University of York, and has previously run First’s Huddersfield depot and worked as operations director in Aberdeen, before taking the role of operations director for First in North and West Yorkshire in 2010.

He said: “I am looking forward to the challenge of working with an excellent team of people to ensure the highest standards of service delivery for the benefit our customers are established.

“First in the North of England is undergoing an exciting transformation with our high-frequency routes currently being refreshed, including new vehicle liveries. And in the autumn we will begin to see the introduction of our new £42 million fleet of buses which will transform our bus operation across Yorkshire.”

Dave Alexander, First North regional managing director, said: “I am delighted to welcome Ben to the north region senior management team. He has risen through the ranks, gathering excellent experience in key roles within First. I look forward to working with him further develop our service delivery teams as well as stimulate passenger growth on our networks.”