The Coach Travel Group appoints Group Head of Operational Performance

The Coach Travel Group (TCTG) is delighted to announce the appointment of Elaine Williams as Group Head of Operational Performance. Elaine will be based at Johnsons Coaches in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire.

Elaine’s time in 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 followed, where she gained experience in both the bus and coach departments. Elaine achieved a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in both road passenger and road haulage.

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 she 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.

“…the lure of coach travel was too strong” – Elaine Williams

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.”

Established in June 2024, The Coach Travel Group consists of Alpine Travel, Barnes Coaches, Coatham Coaches, JH Coaches, Johnsons Coaches, The Ready Group, Swans Travel, Whittles, Stewarts Coaches and Horseman Coaches. The group employs approximately 700 people with more than 450 vehicles in its fleet.