First Dorset has appointed Simon Newport as its new General Manager. He will be in charge of overseeing the bus company’s operations, engineering and commercial activities in the area, which covers Poole, Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Yeovil.
Simon is no stranger to the business having joined FirstGroup in 1998 as a graduate trainee. He took over as First Dorset’s Operations Manager before he moved to First’s Bristol base to become network manager.
He then took on the role of Commercial Director for First Devon and Cornwall, his portfolio then extending in 2010 to include Hampshire & Dorset.
From there, he became regional network manager for First South West and Wales in 2011 but then took up the post of Commercial and Operations Manager of Go South Coast- Damory in 2012, Simon has now gone full circle in his return to Dorset.
Commenting on his new appointment, Simon says: “It is wonderful to be returning to my routes/roots in my new job! The business has changed quite markedly since I was last working in Dorset, but the role gives me a chance to fully focus on developing the potential of the Dorset business.”