Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s (SPT) has today announced it has appointed Jamie Ross as its new Chief Executive.
Jamie Ross will join SPT from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, where he has been Director of Transport for the last two years, leading the delivery of a £1 billion investment programme including major initiatives such as bus franchising and the development of a fully integrated public transport network.
Mr Ross said:
"I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed Chief Executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.
"SPT plays a hugely important role in the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the West of Scotland. Every day, its services and infrastructure help connect people to employment, education, healthcare, leisure and each other.
"Having grown up in the West of Scotland and spent much of my career working across the transport sector, I have long admired the role SPT plays in shaping and improving public transport across the region."
SPT is responsible for delivering and supporting public transport services for more than 2.2 million people across the west of Scotland and is at the heart of efforts to create a more integrated, accessible and sustainable transport network.
Mr Ross added: "This is an exciting time for transport, with growing recognition of the role it can play in driving economic growth, tackling inequality and supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.
"I am looking forward to working with the Partnership, staff, operators, local authorities and stakeholders across the region to build on SPT's strong foundations and continue delivering positive outcomes for communities throughout the west of Scotland."
Mr Ross brings more than 30 years of transport leadership experience across both the public and private sectors. As well as being director of transport for Liverpool City Region, his career has included senior roles with Menzies Aviation, Serco, Go-Ahead Group, Northern Rail and the Scottish Government.
He replaces Valerie Davidson, who is retiring after 26 years with SPT, the last five as Chief Executive.
SPT chair Stephen Dornan said: "I am delighted that Jamie will be joining SPT as our new Chief Executive.
"We undertook a highly competitive recruitment process which attracted an exceptional field of candidates from across the UK. Jamie was the standout candidate, bringing an outstanding combination of strategic leadership, operational delivery experience and deep transport expertise.
"His experience leading major transport programmes, working across both public and private sectors and building effective partnerships will be invaluable as SPT continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of transport across the west of Scotland.
"I would also like to pay tribute to our current Chief Executive, Valerie Davidson, who will retire later this year after an outstanding period of leadership. Valerie has made an enormous contribution to SPT, helping to strengthen the organisation, champion public transport and position it at the centre of regional transport planning and delivery.
"On behalf of the Partnership, I would like to thank Valerie for her commitment, dedication and service, and wish her every success and happiness in her retirement."
Mr Ross will take up his new role in late-September.