New Senior Leadership Team appointed

Transport Made Simple (TMS) has announced the formation of a new five-member Senior Leadership Team as part of our plans to accelerate growth and bring our operating divisions closer together. Our Central Connect, Flagfinders and Simonds businesses will become more operationally aligned, with the long-term aim of integrating the three divisions into a single structure. Under the plan, our local bus network will operate exclusively under the Central Connect brand, while the well-known Flagfinders and Simonds names will continue to be used for coach holidays and private hire operations.

Rory Macildowie has been appointed Finance Director, taking over responsibility for our Finance and HR functions. A Chartered Accountant (ACA), Rory joins from KPMG, where he served as M&A Associate Director. With a decade of experience across audit, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, valuations, and insolvency, he brings a wealth of expertise in business transactions.

Current Finance Director and TMS co-founder Dominic Kalantary will transition to the role of Non-Executive Director, remaining a shareholder and advising the board on strategic decision-making, business sustainability, and quality standards.

Alex Carter, previously a Non-Executive Director, will take on the role of Operations Director ensuring that we continue to achieve operational excellence as our growth continues. Alex is a respected figure in the UK transport sector, with more than 40 years’ experience in bus operations, strategic planning, and consultancy, including serving as Head of Transport Operations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Adam Hemingway, former General Manager at Central Connect, has been promoted to Head of Network. He will oversee local bus network design and commercial development, supporting our ambitious plans for a high-quality, integrated bus network across the East Midlands and East Anglia.

Engineering Director Adrian Tant will expand his remit to lead efforts in standardising engineering delivery across TMS, with an eventual goal of achieving DVSA Earned Recognition status.

The appointment of this new team of senior leaders marks another step in our strategic growth journey, as we look to strengthen our position in the deregulated regional bus sector, whilst also proactively identifying future opportunities for business development.