First South Yorkshire appoints new engineering director

Chris Gent

First South Yorkshire has appointed a new Engineering Director, Chris Gent.

Gent joined First South Yorkshire after working for a global parcel distribution company for over 15 years. He was responsible for over 4,500 vehicles and ground support equipment in the UK, Ireland and Nordic countries.

The business has brought in a new engineering director to lead the team that maintain over 400 buses around Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham every day. First South Yorkshire is striving to make things better for customers with a focus to reduce journey times. The engineering team play a key part in maintaining a reliable service for customers.

Garry Birmingham, Managing Director of First South Yorkshire and former Engineering Director, said: “I’m delighted to have Chris join the team here in South Yorkshire. He brings with him a wealth of engineering experience and a proven track record of leading strong and successful teams which consistently deliver a fleet that is safe, good looking, reliable and cost effective.”

Gent said: “I’m really excited about joining First to embark on evolving the engineering talent and customer solution in South Yorkshire. I originally applied for a position as an apprentice with South Yorkshire Travel when I was 16 and have since had a successful career within the truck industry and so you could say I’ve come full-circle. I believe our mission must be driving change presently for now and the future, the key pieces being a reliable and sustainable local transport service. A legacy we all play a part in with the First Group.”