LeasePlan has appointed Stuart Houlston as commercial and IT director, replacing Jo Elms who is leaving the firm after 10 years of service.

Houlston joined LeasePlan in January 2016 as technology & transformation director and will retain that responsibility as part of his new role.

Over the past 20 years Houlston has held a number of senior roles in the automotive leasing and asset finance sector, including managing director of Lombard Vehicle Management and global chief operating officer of White Clarke Group.

“I am delighted to be taking on the responsibility of Commercial and IT Director for LeasePlan UK. I look forward to using my experience of delivering complex business change and technology initiatives in order to meet the firm’s broader business goals, positioning LeasePlan as the UK's market leader for customer focus and innovation. With exciting times ahead, and the best sales team in the industry, I am very enthusiastic about the opportunities this new role presents,” Houlston said.

Matt Dyer, managing director LeasePlan added: “On behalf of everyone at LeasePlan I would like to thank Jo for her massive contribution to the company and congratulate Stuart on his new role - we wish them all the very best for the future.”