A senior transport manager at National Express has been recognised for her exceptional leadership and operational excellence in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours list, announced today.
Fatima Benzbir, Regional Manager – Airports, Festivals & Events was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition for her services to Operation London Bridge.
Fatima, from Horley, Surrey, has held a number of senior roles during her 20-year career at National Express, including previously managing scheduled coach operations at Victoria Coach Station. She is now based at Gatwick Airport, overseeing coach services for airports and major festivals and events across the UK such as Glastonbury and Boomtown.
A key highlight of Fatima’s career was her leadership of one of the most significant and logistically demanding transport operations in recent history during the State Funeral of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. She led the multi-agency programme to temporarily relocate Victoria Coach Station to Wembley Stadium, ensuring hundreds of coach services continued to operate smoothly with minimal disruption, while keeping thousands of passengers moving safely amid extensive road closures across London.
Commenting on the award, Fatima Benzbir, said:
“I am thrilled and humbled to receive an MBE from The King, and proud that my contributions to the coach transport industry have been recognised in such a prestigious way. More importantly, I want to thank all my brilliant colleagues at National Express. Delivering complex operations is always a team effort, and this award reflects the dedication, professionalism and commitment of colleagues and partners who work tirelessly to provide a brilliant service to passengers every day.”
Javier Martinez Prieto, Managing Director for National Express UK Coach, said:
“All of us at National Express are incredibly proud of Fatima. Her leadership, commitment to excellent customer experience and calm, can-do approach ensure that thousands of people can travel safely and reliably everyday, even during the most challenging operational circumstances. This honour is richly deserved and we offer our thanks and congratulations to Fatima.”
The Royal Honour recognises the extraordinary contributions and service of people across the UK, celebrating those who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on their communities and their industries.
