First Bus
11 September 2026
First Bus has announced the appointment of Ali Raffat as its new Commercial Director. This strategic move coincides with the company's plans to expand its franchising operations, indicating a focus on growing this area of its business.
First Bus has expanded its franchising division with the appointment of Ali Raffat as Commercial Director. This move signals a development in the company's franchising operations.
Mr. Raffat's new role as Commercial Director will involve focusing on commercial strategies within the expanding franchise division of First Bus. Further details regarding the specific responsibilities of this position or the structure of the expanded division have not been publicly confirmed.
For potential franchise buyers or existing franchisors in the UK market, appointments such as this can indicate a franchisor's commitment to growth within their franchise model. The creation of a dedicated Commercial Director role within a franchising division suggests an emphasis on strategic commercial development for the franchise network. This could involve exploring new territories, refining franchise packages, or enhancing support structures for franchisees. While specific plans for First Bus's franchising expansion have not been detailed, such leadership appointments often precede or accompany a period of strategic development.
The appointment of a Commercial Director at First Bus's franchising division highlights an area of focus for the company as it looks to develop its franchise operations.
Reported from publicly available coverage. Details were correct at the time of writing.
