By Isle of Wight Observer
Southern Vectis has announced the death of its managing director, Andrew Wickham, who has passed away after a long illness.
Paying tribute to Andrew, a statement reads: “Andrew, a devoted family man, dedicated his entire working life to the transport industry – remaining at the Go South Coast helm until the very end.
“His outstanding leadership drove forward the entire Go South Coast team – with colleagues at our operators across the region utterly dedicated to Andrew’s vision to improve services and increase the popularity of bus travel.
“Andrew recently received an MBE, presented by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, for services to the bus industry – with his career spanning almost 40 years.
“Originally graduating from Aston University in 1987 with a BSc (Hons) in Transport Operation and Planning. He joined Brighton Borough Transport in 1986, whilst at university.
“Andrew held various roles across the country – including at London General Transport Services, and Plymouth Citybus. In 2011 he was appointed managing director of Go-Ahead Group owned Go South Coast – consisting of Southern Vectis, Morebus, Unibus, Bluestar, Unilink, Salisbury Reds, Swindon’s Bus Company, Damory, Tourist Coaches, Excelsior Coaches, and Hants & Dorset Trim.
“He was also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and leaves an outstanding legacy. Ben Murray, finance director, is taking the reins as interim managing director at Go South Coast, and will be fully supported by the Go-Ahead Group.”