Oliphant 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, Oliphant 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.”
Speaking about some of his priorities in his new position, Oliphant added: “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.”
His new role officially came into effect following the BVRLA’s AGM this week, 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.”
