A NEW chairman has come on board at Waverley Hoppa Community Transport. Rob Stansbury, a chartered director who lives near Farnham, takes over from Jim Cummings, who has been acting as the interim chairman for the past nine months.

Mr Stansbury has served in both executive and non-executive roles with a number of companies. He has advised boards of many financial businesses on the strategic management of risk, and brings experience of working in many different countries and cultures.

He said: “Having completed an assignment as a senior adviser to the Prudential Regulation Authority at the Bank of England, I wanted to become involved in the local community in a tangible and practical way.

“I was looking for an opportunity where my experience in financial services and business generally, especially corporate governance, might be useful.

“I found out about the vacancy for the Hoppa chairman when I visited the Retirement Refreshers Fair at the Farnham Maltings in February. From my first encounters with the trustees and staff, I was inspired by Hoppa’s values of service, companionship and caring.

“I am delighted to have come on board, and plan to follow the excellent example set by my predecessors. It is my intention to ensure we serve those who most need us by continuing to concentrate on the quality of service and the sustainability of the business in the longer term.”

Hoppa has also welcomed Suzy Naughalty as a board member, who lives in Churt, and, with two teenage daughters, is well aware of the transport challenges that face people living in rural communities.

Andrew Carrington, who was chairman for 12 years before standing down in autumn 2015, steps down as a board member but will remain as company secretary.

Also stepping down from the board, are retired trustee Jim Cummings, and Jeff Morris who, aged 87, is the longest serving board member.