Simon Oliphant Is New BVRLA Chairman

The BVRLA is pleased to announce Simon Oliphant as the new chairman of the association. He takes over from Marshall Leasing's Peter Cakebread, who has stepped down after completing his two-year term.

Having worked for Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions for 25 years, Simon Oliphant has been involved with the BVRLA since joining the Leasing and Fleet Management Committee in 2001. He became Chairman of the same committee after a decade, and joined the BVRLA's Committee of Management in 2011.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon said: "I am delighted with my new position at the BVRLA, which gives me the opportunity to put something back into the industry I have been associated with for more than 30 years. As Chairman, my first priority is to ensure we continue the excellent work that has been overseen by Peter, Gerry and the BVRLA's other committee members."

"My career at Hitachi has given me the opportunity to work with small, medium and large companies in different roles. This makes me ideally placed to work with all BVRLA members and fully represent its diverse membership, which continues to grow across each sector."

Simon has already identified some priorities in his new position. "I'd like to develop stronger relationships with the newly-formed government around key issues such as taxation, safety, the environment and technology, enhancing the BVRLA's authoritative voice. I am also passionate about training and development, and would like to see the BVRLA play a bigger role in this."

Simon's new role officially came into effect following the BVRLA's AGM, which took place today. As BVRLA Chairman, Simon is responsible for leading the BVRLA Committee of Management - in effect its board of directors - which saw two members gain additional responsibilities today:

• David Hosking, Chief Executive at Tuskerdirect, is now Chairman of the BVRLA's Leasing and Fleet Management Committee
• Brian Swallow, Vice President of Rental at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, is Chairman of the Rental Committee

Making way for this pair are Robert Shaw of Europcar and Keith Allen of ARI fleet UK. Both will remain a part of their respective committees as vice chair.

Elsewhere in the BVRLA, Mike Potter of Fleet Drive has replaced PHVC's Paul Huxford as chairman of the association's Leasing Broker Committee.

"It is great to welcome these new faces to the association, because we certainly have some challenges for them to focus on," said BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney. "We are also grateful to outgoing committee members whose efforts have helped steer the BVRLA in recent years."

-ENDS-

About the BVRLA

Established in 1967, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is the UK trade body for companies engaged in the rental and leasing of cars and commercial vehicles. Its 700+ members operate a combined fleet of 3.8 million cars, vans and trucks. BVRLA members buy nearly half of all new vehicles sold in the UK, supporting around 317,000 jobs and contributing nearly £25bn to the economy each year.

By consulting with government and maintaining industry standards, the BVRLA helps its members deliver safe, sustainable and affordable road transport to millions of consumers and businesses. For more information, visit www.bvrla.co.uk.

For more information, contact:

Toby Poston – Director of Communications & External Relations
toby@bvrla.co.uk
tel: 01494 545700
mob: 07979 756533

Jamie Fretwell - Media & Communications Officer
jamie@bvrla.co.uk
tel: 01494 545710
mob: 07790 271806