Martijn Gilbert back on the buses

Arriva Group has announced the appointment of Martijn Gilbert as its new Managing Director for its Arriva UK Bus business unit, reporting to the Executive Chair, David Martin.

Martijn has an extensive background in UK passenger transport having held roles at Go North East and East Yorkshire, where he was Managing Director between 2018 and 2022. His previous role was at FirstGroup, where he has been Managing Director since 2022 for the group’s Open Access rail operators Lumo and Hull Trains and for TfL contracted businesses under the Croydon Tramlink system and the First London Cableway.

“With his exceptionally strong commercial and strategic experience, he will help our business transition to electric vehicles, while delivering customer service excellence, growth, and innovation” – avid Martin, Arriva Group Executive Chair

David Martin, Arriva Group Executive Chair, said: “Martijn brings a wealth of industry experience with him to Arriva and we’re delighted that he’s joining the company at this important stage in our growth journey.  With his exceptionally strong commercial and strategic experience, he will help our business transition to electric vehicles, while delivering customer service excellence, growth, and innovation, working alongside passenger transport authorities in London and throughout the UK.”

“I want to build on already strong partnerships with passenger transport authorities” – Martijn Gilbert

Martijn Gilbert said: “I’m delighted to be joining Arriva at such an exciting stage and with the changing dynamics of the UK bus sector.  I want to build on already strong partnerships with passenger transport authorities and focus on delivering great services for passengers through innovative solutions that harness best practice from across Arriva’s pan European operations.”

Martijn’s appointment is effective from 18 August 2025.

In addition to his roles at First Group and Go North East, Martijn was Chief Executive of council owned Reading Buses and spent some of his early career working at Arriva.