London, England, United Kingdom, November 2025 – Go-Ahead London, the largest bus company in the UK capital, has announced the appointment of James Davies as Head of People & Culture. In his new role, James will lead the company’s people agenda across its extensive workforce of more than 7,000 drivers, focusing on HR transformation, culture development, leadership effectiveness, and employee engagement. His appointment comes as Go-Ahead London continues its mission to deliver sustainable, people-driven transport solutions for millions of commuters each year.
Before joining Go-Ahead London, James was with BT Group for over four years as Senior Human Resources Business Partner, supporting all sales channels within BT Business. He was instrumental in shaping the people strategy for small and medium business channels and B2B/indirect partnerships, driving end-to-end talent and performance initiatives that enhanced workforce productivity and engagement.
Prior to BT, he served as Global Human Resources Business Partner at QBE Insurance, partnering with C-suite leaders across technology, data science, cybersecurity, and risk management functions. Working across multiple continents, James played a pivotal role in aligning HR strategy with business goals, supporting digital transformation and global workforce initiatives.
Earlier in his career, James was HR Business Partner at Fuller, Smith & Turner, where he managed the people agenda for diverse business units including operations, marketing, and acquisitions. He also held key HR roles at Travis Perkins plc, Co-op, and Pret A Manger, where he drove large-scale change programs, led workforce planning, and strengthened people engagement across hundreds of retail and hospitality sites.
James began his HR journey as HR Coordinator at Waterstones and Service Coordinator at Headway – The Brain Injury Association, where he developed strong expertise in employee resourcing, learning and development, and employee relations—skills that continue to underpin his leadership approach today.
About Go-Ahead London
Go-Ahead London operates approximately a quarter of all London bus services, with over 2,300 buses and a dedicated workforce of 7,000 drivers serving the capital’s diverse communities. The company operates nearly 80 million miles annually, making it the largest bus operator in London. Committed to sustainable transport solutions, Go-Ahead London combines operational excellence with a strong focus on people, community, and environmental responsibility.
Read Also : When HR “Produces Nothing”: A Response to Jennifer Sey’s Anti-HR Vision
The Fine Balance: Navigating Work, Life, and Mental Wellbeing
Mind the Leadership Gap – From Learning to Real-World Impact
How the Adecco Group is empowering its employees for the future of work










