Fresh from being included in BusinessCloud’s Northern Leaders 2026 list, Vanda Murray OBE has been appointed non-executive chair of transport giant The Go-Ahead Group.
Her appointment follows an extensive search process and she succeeds Michael Sewards, who will remain on the board.
Murray has more than 30 years’ experience in senior leadership roles and is currently senior independent director of FTSE 100 company Howden Joinery Group plc and chair of Marshalls plc.
In 2018, she received the Sunday Times Non-Executive Director of the Year Award for her contribution to Manchester Airports Group, and she was appointed an OBE in 2002 for services to industry and exports.
Delighted
She said: “Go-Ahead plays an important role in millions of people’s everyday lives, and I am delighted to be joining the group as chair.
“It is a business with a strong purpose and significant opportunities ahead. On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank Michael for his contribution and leadership as chair.
“I look forward to working with him, our fellow board members and the leadership team to support Go-Ahead’s growth and continue to deliver for customers, communities and our colleagues.”
The Go-Ahead Group is an international bus and rail operator. As well as being the biggest bus operator in London, the company is a key partner in Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.
Another member of BusinessCloud’s Northern Leaders 2026 list with cause to celebrate is Lindsey Kidd, managing director of HM3 Legal.
The company was named Law Firm of the Year at the Liverpool Law Society’s Annual Dinner and Awards.
Lindsey Kidd, managing director of HM3 Legal, which was named Law Firm of the Year
Kidd said: “We’re pretty chuffed. We’ve never set out to build a traditional law firm. Quite the opposite.
WOW
“We’ve challenged some of the conventions of our profession, put a genuinely ‘WOW’ client experience front and centre, and delivered that by working hard to create a business where brilliant people can be themselves and do brilliant work without having to fit a particular mould.
“While we’ve been fortunate enough to pick up some fantastic recognition over the years, there’s something particularly meaningful about being recognised by your own profession, in a city that’s been such an important part of our story.
“Of course, none of it happens without our people. The lawyers, the exceptional support teams, and everyone who brings HM3 to life every day.”
The Northern Leaders 2026 awards evening takes place on November 19th.