The Chair of Experience Oxfordshire, Stuart Crook, together with the organisation's Board of Directors and Trustees, is delighted to welcome Luke Marion, Managing Director of the newly rebranded Go Thames Valley at The Go-Ahead Group, to the Experience Oxfordshire Board.
Experience Oxfordshire is the county's Destination Management Organisation (DMO) and VisitEngland accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP). As a partnership organisation, its mission is to drive productive and sustainable growth across Oxfordshire's visitor economy.
Luke joined Oxford Bus Company as Finance Director in 2012 before being promoted to Managing Director in 2022. During his tenure, he has overseen significant business diversification, including the acquisitions of Oxford City Sightseeing, Pulhams and Pearces Coaches. He also led the opening of the Oxford Visitor Information Point on the High Street during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Today, the business comprises Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses, Pulhams, Pearces Coaches and City Sightseeing Oxford, all operating under the Go Thames Valley brand and owned by parent company The Go-Ahead Group.
Decarbonisation and sustainability are important to Luke and he served as a board Director of the Oxfordshire Low Carbon Hub between 2015 and 2023. More recently he has been working to decarbonise Oxfordshire's bus fleet with the introduction of more than 100 electric buses to his fleet.
"There will be very few operators within Oxfordshire's visitor economy who won't be aware of Luke and the contribution his company has made to the city and our sector. Although a personal appointment, we always look for a good balance of knowledge and skills across the sector when appointing new directors and trustees. Luke’s drive for diversification and sustainable travel is exemplary, and we are delighted that he will bring his extensive experience and knowledge of travel, tourism and business operations to our Board."
Stuart Crook, Chairman, Experience Oxfordshire
Following his appointment, Luke Marion said: "As a founding Ambassador partner, Oxford Bus Company has a well-established and valuable relationship with Experience Oxfordshire. The organisation is committed to the sustainable future of the visitor economy, developing strong partnerships that benefit the county, its residents and businesses. I am delighted to have the opportunity to join such a strong Board of Directors and Trustees, working alongside Experience Oxfordshire's high performing executive team to support the continued growth of Oxfordshire's visitor economy."
Board Directors and Trustees of Experience Oxfordshire are drawn from across the local business community, with each member contributing their expertise and experience on a voluntary basis. Their invaluable support enables the organisation to continue flourishing as the county's official LVEP and leading destination management organisation, helping to grow a productive and sustainable visitor economy.
Luke was formally appointed to the Experience Oxfordshire Board of Directors and Trustees in July 2026 and is also a Board member of the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership
Further information about the Experience Oxfordshire Board is available at:experienceoxfordshire.org/partner/about-us/board-members/
