Obituary – Andrew Wickham MBE, Go South Coast

Andrew Wickham MBE, Managing Director, Go South Coast has passed away. He was 59.

Andrew spent over 30 years with the Go-Ahead Group. He was an Operations Manager with London General before becoming Go-Ahead Group’s Development Manager under Chris Moyes. When Wilts & Dorset was acquired by Go-Ahead in 2003, he became Operations Director beginning a 20 year association with the area. He was Managing Director of Plymouth CityBus between 2009 and 2011 before returning to the south coast and remaining there as Managing Director ever since. Under Andrew’s leadership for the last 14 years, Go-Ahead says Go South Coast has gone from strength to strength, winning multiple industry awards.

Andrew’s expertise and leadership skills were most evident in 2022 when Yellow Buses went into administration potentially leaving large areas of Bournemouth without a bus service. Andrew and his team took over 80 buses worth of work with only a gap of 24 hours – a feat which was applauded and recognised by the local community.

His contribution to the bus industry and the impact of his career was illustrated by his recognition in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours list, where he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

“He made a big impression on our business and we will honour his legacy at the appropriate time” – Miguel Parras, Go-Ahead Group Chief Executive

Miguel Parras, Go-Ahead Group Chief Executive, said: “On behalf of everyone at Go-Ahead and Go South Coast I want to pass on our deep condolences to Andrew’s family and loved ones. Andrew was a fantastic colleague, and he will be greatly missed. He made a big impression on our business and we will honour his legacy at the appropriate time.”

“His enthusiasm and passion for serving his community was admirable” – Martin Dean, Managing Director UK Regional Bus

Martin Dean, Managing Director UK Regional Bus, said: “I had the privilege of working with Andrew for 26 years. His enthusiasm and passion for serving his community was admirable and the loyalty of his team at Go South Coast is a testament to Andrew’s character. We will all miss him.”