Prohire, a specialist in commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions, has promoted Jay Edwards to managing director.
Edwards brings more than 25 years’ sector experience, most recently as Prohire’s chief operating officer.
In his new role, he will lead the business, shaping the long-term strategy for both the commercial vehicle arm and the alternative fuels division, ProGreen. In addition, he will oversee Prohire’s finance, IT, operations and commercial functions.
Edwards joined Prohire in 2019, initially as chief financial officer. In the five years since he came onboard, the company has grown revenues by 60% to £60m and the core contract hire fleet by 700 vehicles to 2,400; an increase of more than 40%.
Pat Skelly, CEO of Prohire, said: “Jay’s ability to balance short-term efficiency with long-term vision has been instrumental in Prohire’s sustained growth over the last five years. Jay has supported the business in developing the finance function alongside putting in place the operating platform, reporting and more importantly the significant funding required to support that growth.
“As we continue with our ambitious growth strategy, the board is delighted to name Jay as Prohire’s new managing director, and I’d like to congratulate him on his well-deserved promotion.”
Prohire has grown exponentially since NorthEdge Capital acquired a majority stake in the company via a management buyout in 2018.
Its ProGreen sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division launched in 2021 and works to support customers’ net zero ambitions. By the end of March 2024, 26% of Prohire’s 700-vehicle uplift over the last five years will feature an alternative technology.
Jay Edwards said: “The commercial vehicle sector is going through a period of legislative and technological change and it’s our vision to lead the charge as the UK’s most trusted provider of sustainable vehicle hire. We have the best team in the industry, and I look forward to working with them in the delivery of our strategy.”
