THE RAC has underlined the importance of the UK fleet industry and its commitment to fleets by promoting Penny Hadfield to director of fleet and accident services - the first time an RAC director has been in sole charge of fleet. Hadfield, previously head of fleet, takes on overall responsibility for all RAC operations, sales and customer support services in the motoring organisation's fleet division.

The provision of RAC Accident Services for fleet and corporate customers now also comes under Hadfield's wing. She joined the RAC in 1986, shortly before the organisation separated its fleet business into a dedicated unit - RAC Business Services for Fleets - which is now in its 10th year of operation.

Hadfield, who became head of fleet in March 1995, said: 'Fleet services have traditionally been a significant part of the RAC's corporate business.