August 27 2025
Our latest ‘Two Minutes With’ features Eugene Clarke, Head of Stakeholder Engagement. As his job title suggests, Eugene is primarily responsible for liaising with interested parties, including the media, and he also provides executive support to the senior leadership team.
Eugene explained the background to his work history: “My mum and dad never drove, which meant I was used to riding on buses from being a toddler. Cricklewood Garage is a five-minute walk from where I was brought up and as a young lad, I was in awe of the drivers, who manoeuvred Routemasters through spaces I was unable to comprehend at the time. I knew the bus network well and it came as no surprise that I joined it in 1987.”
Part of a management training scheme between 1989 and 1991 that included David Cutts and Angie Ryder, he learned about all aspects of the capital’s bus operations during this time, driving in service on Routes 6, 52, 226, 260, 266 and 297. He then worked as a Manager at several garages before moving to London Bus Headquarters at Buckingham Palace Road in 1992 as a Press Officer.
Eugene said: “This was probably the first of many occasions where I swam against the tide. Privatisation was firmly on the agenda and here I was, in my early 20’s, working for a company that was on the cusp of being disbanded. That said, I knew this was a unique opportunity, so I took my chances and what started as a six-month secondment went on to become a permanent role for years.
I learned a lot that has stayed with me since and recall cutting my teeth by answering challenging questions from Christian Wolmar, who was then Transport Correspondent at The Independent newspaper. I also used to broadcast travel reports from 55 Broadway to radio and TV stations and I started writing creatively, a lot. It was a fun time.”
Post-privatisation, Eugene worked for London Transport, then Transport for London (TfL), in a Press and Public Affairs role, subsequently leading its Parliamentary Relations team, where he met and briefed politicians. He personally worked for Bob Kiley, the first Transport Commissioner for London, and frequently visited the Palace of Westminster with Mr Kiley. Eugene was also a key part of the TfL team that hosted the 2001 UITP World Congress, in the process representing the organisation internationally.
A move to Go-Ahead London followed in 2012, where he largely continued in a similar vein, gaining further overseas experience by managing the communications and marketing team in Singapore (2016 to 2020). During this time, he was appointed Chief of Staff, reporting directly to John Trayner OBE, in a dual role that included his existing London responsibilities.
Eugene joined Transport UK London Bus earlier this year and as he reflects on a lifelong association with transport, he said: “I am reminded of a quote by Steve Jobs – the only way to do great work is to love what you do. Which I do.”
More from us soon.
