Stagecoach co-founder is recognised for services to business as well as her extensive charity work, some of which is estimated to have directly helped more than 120,000 women and children in Africa
Stagecoach co-founder Ann Gloag has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2019 New Year Honours list.
Ann, who was previously awarded an OBE in 2004, has received her damehood in recognition of her extensive business and charitable work in the UK and overseas.
Stagecoach was founded in Perth in 1980 by Ann and her brother, Sir Brian Souter, with two buses bought with their father’s redundancy money.
Over the past four decades, the business has grown to operate on five continents and now employs more than 30,000 people in the UK and North America.
Ann, who is now a Non-Executive Director and major shareholder in Stagecoach Group, is a past winner of the Businesswoman of the Year Award and European Women in Achievement Award.
Outside Stagecoach, Ann is a major investor in a variety of business sectors, including property, technology and healthcare, and also mentors young Scottish entrepreneurs and supports start-up businesses.
A former nurse, Ann has led many successful charitable projects in Africa that focus on helping women and children receive quality healthcare and education.
Through her Gloag Foundation and other charities she has directly helped more than 120,000 women and children in Africa.
Ann Gloag said: “I am humbled and grateful to receive this Honour.
Never in my wildest dreams, growing up in a council house in Perth, did I think this would ever happen.
“I am pleased the Honour mentions my nursing as what I learned as a nurse, dealing with people from all walks of life, helped me succeed in business and has been the cornerstone of my charitable work.
“Whilst this Honour is being given to me, I would like to pay tribute to everyone who helped us build Stagecoach into the success it has become and thank all our staff and supporters of our charities who are too many to mention.”
Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “Everyone at Stagecoach is delighted for Ann. As well as being one of the country’s most successful businesswomen, she embodies that Stagecoach spirit of community and helping others.
“Ann’s tireless charity campaigning has helped thousands of people in real need, and her mentoring and investment in new businesses is helping create a new generation of entrepreneurs that will drive our economy.
We are all thrilled Ann has received this thoroughly deserved recognition for her work.”
OBE awards
Several industry figures were recognised as Officers of the Order of the British Empire in the 2019 New Year Honours list.
These included:
- Joan Nicol Aitken, Traffic Commissioner for Scotland – for services to the Scottish Transport System and Road Safety;
- Leon Daniels, former Managing Director of Surface Transport for Transport for London (TfL) – for services to TfL;
- Stephen John Fidler, Deputy Director of Road Investment Strategy Client, Department for Transport – for services to Transport; and
- Samuel Mullins, Director of London Transport Museum – for services to the London Transport Museum.
