Raffat brings more than 15 years of experience across transport, corporate finance and investment banking to the senior role, with a background spanning business development, mergers and acquisitions, financial modelling and strategic growth.
He joins First Bus from Go-Ahead, where he was Business Development Director, Bids & M&A.
In that role, Raffat led major bidding and concession projects and was involved in growing the transport business both in the UK and internationally.
His appointment comes as the way bus services are operated in parts of Britain continues to change, with more local authorities exploring or adopting franchising models.
Under bus franchising, local authorities have greater control over areas such as routes, timetables and fares, while operators compete for contracts to run services.
Raffat will now take responsibility for the commercial side of First Bus’s growing franchising operation.
He joins Steve Draper, who has been appointed Operations Director of First Bus Franchising.
Draper brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across transport and manufacturing and was most recently Performance Director at Arriva.
There, his work included depot performance, driver recruitment and training and operational improvement.
Together, the two appointments complete the First Bus Franchising directorate team.
First Bus says it is continuing to invest in specialist expertise as more local authorities consider taking greater control of their bus networks.
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Steve and Ali to First Bus. Their combined operational, commercial and franchising expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow our franchising business.
“As more local authorities explore or adopt franchising, First Bus is committed to being an active partner, helping deliver high-quality services and positive outcomes for passengers and communities across the UK.”
