Rachel Geliamassi has been appointed managing director of Stagecoach in the west of England and Oxfordshire.

The 39 year old, who lives in Gloucester, takes on the role with the UK's biggest bus, coach and tram operator after joining on a graduate training scheme in 2007.

Operations manager of Stagecoach West since 2014 after holding the same role at various regions, she will be responsible for 1,500 employees and more than 500 buses enabling around 44 million journeys a year.

Stagecoach UK managing director Carla Stockton-Jones: "Our people are at the heart of what we do and as a former graduate of the Stagecoach training scheme, it's great to see people like Rachel getting the opportunity to develop even further in such a crucial role for our business.

"As we emerge from the pandemic and with the recent publication of the National Bus Strategy, there are great opportunities ahead to work closely with our partners across the region to harness the huge potential of the bus in tackling climate change, delivering better air quality and providing improved mobility for our communities.

"Rachel's vast experience in the bus industry will ensure we are in the best position to maximise these significant opportunities ahead."

Rupert Cox, previously managing director of Stagecoach West, will continue as interim regional director of Stagecoach South while the company said former Oxford managing director Chris Coleman has left to pursue new opportunities.