Zoe Hands

Zoe Hands has extensive experience in operational leadership within the transport and safety sectors, having served as Chief Operating Officer at Merseyrail from March 2020 to July 2023, where accountability spanned a £54 million budget and management of over 500 train crew and 600 daily rail services. Prior roles include Operations Director at Merseyrail, where responsibilities mirrored those of the COO, and director-level positions focused on safety, security, and sustainability strategy development. Notable achievements include the role of HSSEQ Director for Serco during a secondment in the Middle East for the Riyadh Metro project and leadership in health and safety at institutions such as Network Rail and Heathrow Airport. Currently, Zoe serves as Managing Director for First Bus, overseeing multiple regional operations with full P&L accountability. Academic qualifications include a Distinction in MSc Work & Organisational Psychology from the University of Nottingham and a 1st Class BSc (Hons) in Safety, Health & Environmental Management from Nottingham Trent University.