Well-known Harrogate business figure to swap running buses for running the trains
One of the most notable figures in the life of the town who ran Harrogate’s bus services for the best part of a decade is back.
After leaving for pastures news 18 months ago, Alex Hornby has returned to Harrogate in a change of role – from running the buses to helping to run the trains.
Mr Hornby, who was chief executive of Transdev Blazefield (Harrogate Bus Company) between 2015 and 2023, has been appointed rail operator Northern’s new commercial and customer director as the firm pushes for growth.
Prior to joining Northern, he worked in Scotland for McGill’s, the UK’s largest privately-owned bus operator, where he was group managing director.
Mr Hornby, who was born in Liverpool and now lives in Harrogate, has held a number of senior roles in the bus industry, including that of managing director and then chief executive of Transdev Blazefield between 2015 and 2023.
He was also commercial director of Trentbarton, a bus company serving Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, from 2010 to 2015.
Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “Alex has a brilliant track record of creating customer-centric services and products that grow demand.
“His experience in public transport, mostly in the commercial bus sector, will be a great addition to our director group.
"We’re thrilled to have him on-board.”
Mr Hornby said he was excited to be back in Harrogate and take on the new role.
“This is an incredible role and I’m excited to get started,” he said.
“With the support of colleagues across the network and the potential for growth in the region, I know we have the ability to power economic growth.
“We can also be a valued asset to our customers, supporting their communities and helping to generate prosperity across the North of England.”
In the role of commercial and customer director, Hornby replaces Mark Powles, who is leaving the train operator at the end of December after a handover period.
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
Information: https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/about-us