Caroline Sandall has been appointed as the new chairman of fleet operators association ACFO, replacing John Pryor who has stepped down from the role.

Also at AFCO’s AGM, members unanimously elected current Fleet News Awards fleet manager of the year Stewart Lightbody, fleet director at M Group Services Plant and Fleet Solutions, and Ryan Coles, global travel and fleet manager at Aviva, to the board for the first time.

Richard Baird, new business development director at Marshall Leasing, was also re-elected to the board.

Completing the board are Debbie Floyde, group fleet and risk and facilities manager at Bauer Media, and Denise Lane, head of group fleet at Capita.

Lightbody, who had been co-opted on to the board following the decision of Phil Redman to retire as an ACFO director at the end of 2018, was also elected deputy chairman.

Sandall, who is a specialist consultant at LeasePlan, said: “The pace of change we are witnessing across the fleet industry is unprecedented so it is good that ACFO has board consistency in terms of fleet operator representation as well as that from the wider industry.

“There is significant practical experience among the directors to keep members advised, provide insight on the impact of taxation and legislation changes as well as future fuels and the move towards plug-in vehicles and the fast-evolving issue of employee mobility.

“Combining my experience of being on the board for the past seven years with the enthusiasm and breadth of experience of Stewart as a new board member in the posts of chairman and deputy chairman will continue to drive ACFO forward.”

Lightbody added: “I bring day-to-day fleet manager experience to the board and the post of deputy chairmen.

“However, it is important that Caroline’s ACFO board knowledge and experience as well as that in the industry - as a fleet manager for many years and now as a consultant - continues to benefit the organisation.”

Pryor stood down as chairman after five years in the post and from the ACFO board having served since 2006 as he retires later this year from his role as fleet and travel manager at Arcadia Group.

He said: “I am delighted that two experienced fleet decision-makers in Stewart and Ryan have joined the board.

“Their experience is across the end-user fleet management spectrum of cars, commercial vehicles and ‘grey fleet’ as well as travel management, which is important as both ACFO and the entire fleet industry continues to evolve with an increasing focus on employee mobility.

“I wish Caroline and Stewart in their respective posts and the entire board all the best for the future and leave ACFO in strong and very capable hands.

“I have been proud and honoured to serve the organisation.”

More articles on: