Xplore Dundee has appointed Christine McGlasson as the new Managing Director. She is taking over from Elsie Turbyne who is retiring after 36 years in the industry. This appointment is believed to be the first time within a major transport operator that the role of MD has been handed from one woman to another.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of leading Xplore Dundee. Elsie leaves behind her the legacy of a forward-thinking, dynamic business with ambitions to be the best of its kind in Scotland, and I’m confident I can pick up where she’s left off,” said Christine.

“I’m also glad to be helping forge a path for women in transport. It’s unusual in this industry to have two consecutive female Managing Directors but I hope that other young women will take notice and be inspired to consider following a path in this interesting and rewarding sector,” she added.

Christine is joining Xplore Dundee from engineering company Oceaneering, where she accumulated extensive management experience in the oil, gas, electronics and transport sectors.

A series of other appointments were made within the business. With Frank Sheach, Xplore Dundee’s Engineering Manager being named Deputy Managing Director, providing leadership support. Another recent recruit is George King, who took over the role of Operations Manager, replacing Andy Shaw who moved to BlueStar in Southampton in the beginning of the year.

Based in Dundee, Scotland, Xplore Dundee is a subsidiary of National Express that operates services mainly within Dundee City. The company employs approximately 360 people and owns a fleet of around 130 buses and coaches. In 2005, it became the first major operator in the country to operate with 100% low floor, easy access buses on local services, while also being able to boast a fleet fitted 100% with innovative, digital CCTV.